Nitish Kumar announces 299 new AC/Non-AC interstate buses to ease travel rush

In a significant step to alleviate the travel difficulties faced by millions of migrant workers during festive seasons, the Bihar government has announced the deployment of a new fleet of 299 AC and non-AC buses on crucial interstate routes. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shared the news on X on Thursday morning, highlighting the initiative's goal of providing much-needed relief to people returning home for major festivals like Chhath, Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja.

The decision to expand the state's public transport network was officially approved during a state Cabinet meeting held on June 24. As part of the plan, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 105.82 crore for the purchase of 75 air-conditioned and 74 deluxe non-AC buses. This investment is a direct response to the persistent travel crunch experienced during peak festive periods.

Further bolstering the fleet, an additional 150 AC buses will be operated through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This hybrid approach will leverage private sector efficiency to expand the service rapidly and effectively. The PPP model is designed to attract private operators by offering incentives, ensuring a faster rollout of services to meet the high demand.

Chief Minister Kumar stated, "People of Bihar come home in large numbers from states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and West Bengal during festivals. Our government is consistently working to make their journey more comfortable." This initiative directly addresses a long-standing issue for Bihar's vast migrant population, who often face overcrowded trains and expensive, unreliable private transport options.

In addition to the new bus services, the state government plans to appeal to the central government to run special trains during major festivals. This dual approach aims to create a comprehensive travel solution, combining road and rail transport to accommodate the large-scale movement of people and ensure a smoother and safer journey for all.