Patna: The Bihar government has announced a major expansion of its public transport network, including the procurement of 149 air-conditioned buses for inter-state services and the deployment of 200 electric buses across six districts.
The initiative is aimed at improving connectivity between Bihar and neighbouring states while promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through new infrastructure and incentives.
AC Buses to Strengthen Inter-State Connectivity
According to the Transport Department, 149 AC buses will be procured to operate on routes connecting cities in Bihar with destinations in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and other states.
Transport Minister Damodar Raut and Transport Secretary Rajkumar said the move is intended to expand the reach of inter-state bus services and improve travel facilities for passengers.
200 Electric Buses to Operate in Six Districts
The state is also set to begin operating 200 electric buses this month in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Purnia.
Of the total fleet, 150 buses will be deployed in Patna, while the remaining 50 will be distributed among the other five districts.
The rollout forms part of Bihar’s broader strategy to encourage cleaner and more sustainable public transport.
New EV Policy Offers Subsidies
The Transport Department has introduced a new policy to promote the use of electric vehicles across the state.
Under the policy, buyers of electric two-wheelers will receive a subsidy of Rs 10,000. Individuals from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will be eligible for a subsidy of Rs 12,000.
Women purchasing electric cars will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh. The policy also provides a concession of up to 50 per cent on motor vehicle tax for electric vehicles.
Online E-Challan Payments Through BBPS
To simplify payments related to traffic violations, the department is introducing the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) for e-challan settlements.
The system will allow users to make payments online through multiple options, including mobile banking, QR codes, debit cards and credit cards.
State Targets 30 Per Cent EV Registrations by 2030
The government has set a target of ensuring that electric vehicles account for 30 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in Bihar by 2030.
To support this goal, EV charging stations will be established across the state on a large scale. The government has also made provisions for grants and incentives to support the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Real-Time Bus Tracking and New Bus Stands Planned
The Transport Department is developing a real-time bus tracking system that will allow passengers to monitor the location of buses and estimate arrival times, similar to train tracking services.
Officials said the software is in its final stage of development.
The department also plans to construct bus terminals under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to improve passenger facilities and strengthen transport infrastructure.
Traffic Enforcement to Expand Beyond Cities
The department is preparing to extend traffic enforcement measures to National Highways and State Highways outside urban areas.
Under the proposed system, traffic violations committed on these routes will also attract challans, with officials stating that the measure is expected to improve compliance with traffic regulations across the state.
