Patna: The Bihar government is set to launch a dedicated fleet of women-only “Pink Buses” in Patna from June, aiming to provide a safer and more accessible public transport option for female commuters, including students and working women.
The inaugural route will connect Gandhi Maidan to Danapur Station, passing through major women’s colleges such as Magadh Mahila College, Patna Women’s College and JD Women’s College, as well as key points like IGIMS and Saguna Mor. The buses will operate daily between 7am and 8pm, with 20 CNG-run vehicles ready for deployment.
Five routes have been finalised within the city, covering educational hubs, hospitals, residential areas, and transport terminals, including destinations like AIIMS, Patna Sahib Station, and Danapur Bus Stand.
Transport Minister Sheila Kumar described the initiative as a landmark step towards making public transport in Bihar’s capital safer and more accessible for women. “These buses are not just about commuting; they are about empowering women and making them feel safe, respected and independent,” she said.
Designed as part of the Pink Bus Scheme announced in the state’s 2025-26 budget, the vehicles come equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons, charging ports and microphones, with drivers able to control all security features from their seat. In a further push towards inclusivity, the service will also employ women drivers and conductors.
Monthly passes have been priced at Rs 400 for girl students and Rs 550 for working women, while single-journey fares will range from Rs 6 to Rs 25, depending on the distance. The transport minister said the scheme would particularly benefit daily commuters, including students and office workers, providing them with an affordable alternative to more expensive or unsafe travel options.
In addition to the Gandhi Maidan-Danapur route, the pink buses will operate along several other corridors, including Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar, AIIMS, Phulwari Chowk, Pataliputra Golambhar, Digha and Patna Sahib station, ensuring extensive coverage of the city’s major routes.
Each bus will feature 25 seats and include CCTV surveillance, panic buttons, charging ports and microphones, with centralised controls available to the driver. Importantly, the initiative will also employ female drivers and conductors.
The scheme is also set to expand beyond the state capital. Plans are underway to introduce the pink bus service in Bhagalpur, Purnia and Muzaffarpur in the next phase, under the supervision of the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation.
“By providing a secure and reliable means of travel, the pink buses will help break down barriers to education and employment for women and bring them closer to economic self-reliance,” the transport minister added.
