Patna: Air-conditioned waiting halls, fans, gleaming tiled floors and facilities that resemble an airport may soon become a reality at bus terminals across Bihar.
The Bihar government has decided to modernise 31 bus stands of the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) on the lines of Gujarat’s modern bus terminal model. The proposed facilities will go beyond conventional bus stands, with plans for shopping malls, hotels, food courts, retail outlets and other commercial spaces.
Some existing bus stands may also be relocated depending on land availability and the requirements of the proposed projects. The terminals are expected to be developed through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The move is aimed not only at improving passenger amenities but also at strengthening the financial position of BSRTC by turning bus terminals into revenue-generating commercial and transport hubs.
Bus stands to offer airport-like facilities
The state government is working on a plan to financially strengthen BSRTC while upgrading public transport infrastructure.
Under the proposal, bus terminals will be developed as multi-functional transport hubs, combining bus operations with passenger amenities and commercial facilities.
The government has selected Gujarat’s GSRTC Bus Port model, which is considered among the prominent examples of modern bus terminal development in India.
Instead of functioning solely as boarding and parking points, the upgraded terminals will include commercial spaces designed to generate additional revenue and create employment.
31 BSRTC depots to be redeveloped
The government plans to redevelop 31 BSRTC bus depots as part of its effort to modernise public transport infrastructure.
Buildings ranging from G+4 to G+6 floors are proposed at various locations. The terminals will include facilities for passengers as well as infrastructure required for bus operations and maintenance.
The proposal related to the redevelopment has been approved by the state Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Revenue generated from commercial activities at the bus stands is proposed to be shared between BSRTC and private partners. The revenue would also help meet the operational and maintenance costs of the terminals.
EV charging stations and modern workshops planned
The proposed terminals will also cater to the future expansion of Bihar’s electric bus fleet.
Plans include modern workshops, bus parking facilities, inspection pits, storage areas, tyre sections and EV charging stations.
Other proposed infrastructure includes drainage systems, sewage treatment plants (STPs), effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and backup power systems.
The infrastructure is expected to facilitate the operation and maintenance of electric buses. The state has a plan to introduce around 400 electric buses in the coming period.
Patna to get Bihar’s largest bus stand
The 31 proposed modern bus terminals will be developed across several districts, including Patna, Bhagalpur, Nalanda, Gaya, Munger and Saharsa, among others.
Several of these cities are important from the perspective of tourism and religious travel. The government expects modern transport infrastructure to improve connectivity and potentially support tourism.
The proposed network is expected to give different terminals specific regional roles:
- Patna: Proposed to have Bihar’s largest bus terminal.
- Muzaffarpur: Expected to emerge as a major transit centre for North Bihar.
- Darbhanga: Planned as an important terminal for connectivity, including links towards Nepal.
- Bhagalpur: Expected to strengthen connectivity with eastern Bihar and Jharkhand.
- Purnia: Proposed as a major transport hub for the Seemanchal region.
3,000-5,000 shops may come up
Commercial development is a major component of the proposed bus terminal model.
According to the plan, an individual terminal could accommodate 100 to 150 shops. Across the 31 proposed terminals, the government estimates that 3,000 to 5,000 shops could potentially be established.
The projects are also expected to generate employment. The plan estimates 70,000 to 80,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, along with around 500 to 700 permanent jobs.
The commercial component is intended to provide BSRTC with a recurring revenue stream while creating additional economic activity around the terminals.
What does the Gujarat model look like?
Ahmedabad’s Geeta Mandir ST Bus Terminal provides an example of the kind of infrastructure Bihar is looking to replicate.
The Ahmedabad terminal was redeveloped at a reported cost of Rs 186.67 crore and spread over approximately 58,134 square metres. It has 93 platforms, an air-conditioned waiting lounge and commercial areas.
The terminal serves buses connecting Ahmedabad with different parts of Gujarat.
A new Terminal-2 has also been opened at the complex, offering facilities designed around passenger comfort, including 39 platforms, a 370-seat boarding concourse, a modern waiting hall and a 130-seat canteen.
The complex follows a public-private partnership model, combining a state transport terminal with commercial retail space, offices and residential components.
Passenger-focused facilities include separate movement routes for pedestrians and vehicles, accessible toilets for persons with disabilities, a parcel room and multi-level parking.
What Bihar’s new bus stands could mean for passengers
If implemented as planned, the redevelopment will represent a significant shift in the way Bihar’s bus terminals operate.
Instead of being limited to bus boarding, parking and basic passenger services, the new terminals are intended to combine transport, retail, food, accommodation and other commercial activities in one integrated complex.
For passengers, this could mean better waiting facilities and amenities. For BSRTC, the commercial component is expected to provide an additional source of revenue that can support the long-term operation and maintenance of the terminals.
