Bihar Government to Introduce 299 Additional Buses for Festival Travel
In a bid to facilitate smoother travel during the festive season, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced the introduction of 299 additional buses. These buses will operate on inter-state routes, particularly benefiting those returning home for major celebrations like Chhath, Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja. The initiative aims to alleviate the travel difficulties faced by many during these peak times. Furthermore, the government plans to request more special trains from the central government to enhance travel convenience. This move comes after last year's challenges where a shortage of transport options caused significant issues for travelers. Read on to learn more about this initiative and its expected impact on festival travel in Bihar.
Jun 26, 2025, 13:19 IST
Enhanced Travel Options for Festival-Goers
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Thursday that the state will operate 299 extra buses to manage crowds during the upcoming festivals. He shared on social media that many residents return home from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal for various celebrations, particularly Chhath, Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja. The influx of people during these festivals often leads to significant travel challenges.
To facilitate smoother travel for those returning to Bihar, the government is committed to improving transportation options. As part of this initiative, 299 air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses will be deployed on inter-state routes. This decision was approved in a cabinet meeting held on June 24, 2025. The state plans to invest ₹105.82 crores in the purchase of 75 air-conditioned and 74 deluxe buses. Additionally, 150 more air-conditioned buses will be operated under a public-private partnership.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state government will request the central government to run more special trains during the festival season. This will ease the travel experience for people returning to Bihar, allowing them to reach home comfortably. Last year, during Chhath and Diwali, a shortage of trains and buses caused significant inconvenience for travelers. Nitish Kumar had assured that more buses would be made available for the next year to enhance passenger convenience.