Delhi set to start interstate buses to six cities in Bihar

The Delhi government is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bihar government to launch a dedicated inter-state bus service connecting the national capital with six major cities in Bihar, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday

The Delhi government is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bihar government to launch a dedicated inter-state bus service connecting the national capital with six major cities in Bihar, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday.

The service is expected to begin before Chhath Puja, when travel demand between Delhi and Bihar rises sharply. (Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO)

The service is expected to begin before Chhath Puja, when travel demand between Delhi and Bihar rises sharply. The proposed service will connect Delhi with Darbhanga, Purnia, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Gaya and Bhagalpur. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is expected to deploy 70 buses in the initial phase, as part of a broader proposal to add 149 buses for inter-state operations.

Transport minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the initiative would expand Delhi’s inter-state bus network and provide another public transport option for passengers travelling to Bihar.

“Delhi has a large population with links to Bihar and there is significant movement of people between the two states. We are working with the Bihar government to start dedicated bus services to major cities there. The service will be operational before Chhath Puja so that passengers can benefit during the festive period,” Singh said.

A new bus terminal is also being developed at Anand Vihar to facilitate the operations. The terminal, spread across a width of 13.5 metres, will serve as the primary hub for buses operating on the Bihar routes. Anand Vihar is already a major transport interchange in east Delhi, with connectivity to the Delhi Metro, railways and inter-state bus services.

Singh said infrastructure for inter-state operations was being developed alongside the proposed expansion of bus services. “We are strengthening the infrastructure required for inter-state operations along with increasing the number of buses. Anand Vihar will play an important role in the proposed Bihar services,” he said.

At present, DTC operates inter-state bus services to neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Bihar service will make it the third state to which the corporation will operate dedicated services under the expansion plan.

Officials said the proposed routes have been selected to cover major urban centres and destinations with high passenger movement to and from Delhi. The services are also expected to cater to migrant workers, students and families travelling between the two states.

The final route-wise deployment of buses and service frequency will be decided in coordination with the Bihar government after the MoU is signed. The two governments are also expected to finalise operational arrangements, including permits and timings, before the services are launched.