The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has announced plans to operate around 210 special buses from November 5 to 20 to accommodate the surge in passengers travelling home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. The initiative aims to provide affordable and convenient transportation to people returning to Bihar from major cities during the festive season. According to the announced plan, the special buses will operate from five states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Haryana and Jharkhand. Of the 210 buses, 60 will operate from Uttar Pradesh, 50 from Delhi, 40 from West Bengal, and 30 each from Haryana and Jharkhand.
To make festive travel more affordable, the Bihar government will provide a subsidy of approximately 30% on bus fares. Passengers could save up to Rs 865 on their journeys under the scheme. Online ticket bookings are scheduled to begin on November 1 through BSRTC’s official website. Additionally, passengers arriving at Patna Junction, Danapur-Pataliputra railway station and Bairiya Bus Stand will have access to connecting city bus services operating around the clock, allowing them to travel onward to nearby towns and villages.
Following the subsidy, the fare for a non-AC bus between Patna and Delhi has been fixed at Rs 1,182, while a non-AC sleeper ticket will cost Rs 1,483. Passengers opting for an AC seater bus will pay Rs 1,318, whereas the AC sleeper fare has been set at Rs 1,935. The special bus services are expected to ease the festive travel rush, reduce pressure on trains and provide passengers with a more affordable option for reaching their hometowns during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
