Bihar to roll out 80 new pink buses amid surging demand

The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) is set to introduce 80 new CNG-powered pink buses by the end of August 2025, with 35 designated for Patna alone. The move comes in response to overwhelming public demand following the launch of the state’s women-only bus service on May 16.

Since its inception, the pink bus initiative has recorded a sixfold increase in ridership. Over 33,000 women have used the service in just two months, with more than 21,000 boarding in Patna and the rest across districts like Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnia.

Each bus is equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, panic buttons, and mobile charging points. Sanitary pad vending machines and medical kits will soon be installed to further enhance women’s safety and comfort, according to reports.

All buses are staffed entirely by women—drivers, conductors, and supervisory personnel. To sustain this model, BSRTC is training 2,000 women drivers through a three-phase residential programme. According to BSRTC, the aim is not just to provide transport but to create opportunities for women behind the wheel.

The state is also investing in infrastructure: a residential training programme will prepare 2,000 women drivers to operate these buses in three phases

In parallel, special camps are being organised in women’s colleges in Patna to issue monthly travel passes. These passes are priced at Rs 450 for students and Rs 550 for working women and are also available via the Chalo app.

Transport Minister Sheela Kumari has said that the surge highlights the demand for gender-sensitive infrastructure. With its expansion, the pink bus initiative is fast becoming a permanent fixture in Bihar’s public transport landscape.