Bihar News: The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has announced special bus services from Delhi, Gurugram, Ambala, Lucknow, and Kolkata to Bihar, making festive season travel cheaper and more convenient. The move comes ahead of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, when demand for travel traditionally surges.
Cheaper Fares with Subsidy
To ease the financial burden on passengers, the Bihar government has decided to provide a subsidy on bus fares, cutting travel costs by nearly one-third. This will provide significant relief to families traveling home for the festivals, especially as airfares soar and train tickets become scarce during peak season.
Duration and Schedule
The festival special buses will run from 20 September to 30 November, ensuring smooth travel during and beyond the festive season. Importantly, the extended service will allow passengers, including voters, to return even after the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled in November.
AC and Non-AC Options
The service includes both AC and non-AC buses, offering affordable options for different categories of travelers. With direct routes from major NCR and nearby cities, the scheme is expected to attract a large number of migrants heading back to Bihar for family reunions and festivities.
Political and Social Context
While the immediate benefit is reduced travel cost, the initiative is also being viewed in the context of the upcoming Assembly elections, with the NDA government led by CM Nitish Kumar linking the subsidy to welfare efforts aimed at different social groups.
This festive travel scheme is set to bring much-needed relief to millions of Bihar residents working outside the state, ensuring they can celebrate festivals with their families without worrying about soaring travel expenses.
