Following the models in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Purnia, and Darbhanga, preparations are underway to launch special Pink buses for women in all district headquarters across the state by September.
Bihar Pink Bus: In a significant move towards women's empowerment and providing relief, the Nitish Kumar government is expanding the Pink bus service across Bihar. The state government has announced that Pink buses will be available for women passengers in every district of Bihar by September, ensuring safe and convenient transportation for female students, working women, and all women in general.
According to the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC)'s plan, after the success of the 20 Pink CNG buses currently operating in Patna and some other major districts, 80 more new buses are being purchased. A budget of approximately five crore rupees has been allocated for this, and it is expected that all these buses will arrive in Bihar by the end of August.
Out of these 80 new Pink buses, 35 will be deployed in Patna, while the remaining buses will operate in other districts. The aim is to provide safe public transport to every woman in the state.
Modern facilities keeping women's needs in mind
These buses are equipped with several modern facilities, keeping in mind the special needs and safety of women. Each bus will have a GPS-based tracking system, panic buttons, CCTV cameras, and mobile charging ports. Additionally, sanitary pads and medical kits will be available to address women's health-related needs.
The Transport Department stated that female drivers and female conductors will be given priority in the operation of these buses to empower women. Under the BSRTC plan, arrangements have been made to train 500 female drivers in the first phase. This will not only provide employment opportunities for women but will also enhance the sense of trust and security for female passengers.
Preparation to implement the successful Pink bus model throughout Bihar
It is noteworthy that in May 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated 20 CNG Pink buses, of which eight buses are running on various routes in Patna from 7 AM to 8 PM. Approximately 2,000 women and female students use these buses every day, making their journeys much smoother and safer.
Moreover, four Pink buses are already running in Muzaffarpur, and two each in Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnia, with positive results. Passengers say that the arrival of Pink buses has provided them with a more reliable and safer environment than before.
A unique effort towards a women-operated transportation system
BSRTC has prepared a roadmap to make these buses completely women-operated. From the bus driver, conductor, and ticketing staff to the nodal officer, all positions will be held by women. This will promote gender equality in the public transport sector and inspire other women. In this context, BSRTC is planning to organize special camps in colleges and educational institutions in the capital Patna to provide Pink bus passes to female students, so that they can get better public transport at affordable rates.
The state government has clarified that no negligence will be tolerated regarding women's safety. Live feeds from CCTV cameras in all buses will go to the control room for monitoring, enabling immediate action in any emergency situation. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that safe transportation is a b link in empowering women socially and economically, and the Pink bus scheme will prove to be an effective initiative in this direction.
