Forget about ordinary buses, the cities of Bhagalpur and Purnia are about to receive a striking boost of pink. Bihar’s all-women pink bus service is ready to roll out next month, so here’s everything you need to know about the much-awaited Bhagalpur pink bus service.
What Makes the Bhagalpur Pink Bus Unique?
The BSRTC has confirmed that the pink units are specifically designed for women and girl students. It will commence operations in Bhagalpur and Purnia in the first week of June 2025.
The pink traveling units are currently stationed in Patna, awaiting shipment to their designated locations, with the Tilkamanjhi Bus Stand and Thana Chowk Bus Stand being the first two scheduled stops. When we talk about Bhagalpur’s pink bus, we realize that it is not a standard form of public transport.
- Providing the highest level of security
- Convenience and comfort as priorities
- Operational from 8 AM to 8 PM on major routes around the city
- Initially intended to employ only women as drivers and conductors, but there is a shortage of female drivers.
While attempting to source an all-women crew, BSRTC can’t seem to find enough qualified women drivers willing to take the job. Hence, the front of the bus may have some male company, at least for the near future.
Where Else Are These Buses Available?
Four major places in Bihar have been granted permission to operate pink buses. Here is the breakdown:
Patna: 10 pink buses are already operational
Muzaffarpur, Purnia, and Bhagalpur: These cities will split 10 buses.
And that is only the start, the state has plans to implement a total of 100 additional Bhagalpur pink buses in the region by October 2025, expanding the reach of this woman-first initiative to many more cities.
According to BSRTC, “the process of issuing permits for the new services has already commenced and will be completed by the end of May.” This implies that the first week of June stands as potentially reasonable for the timing of the inauguration.
Significance of Pink Buses Beyond Transportation
The Bhagalpur pink bus isn’t just any form of transportation, it’s also a promotion. One step in the direction to provide women opportunities and public transport services to improve women’s mobility in a state where public transport services have historically been neither friendly nor welcoming.
- Encourages independent commuting for women.
- Progress towards public transport services sensitive to gender concerns.
- A positive change, and a breath of fresh air for urban residents.
Possible State-Wide Effectiveness
Let’s be honest here. Having 20 buses for use within 4 cities isn’t substantial, it’s just approximately covering half of a full lap. The intention is to expand these services through the state, as there is a plan to operate over 100 pink buses planned for the end of the year, but maintaining and servicing them with the existing staffing and infrastructure might be difficult. However, imagine if this works: It would set a standard for other Indian states and improve the sad reality of city transport not being safe or criteria-inclusive for women.
Quickies
Bhagalpur Pink Bus: Essential Highlights
- Bhagalpur pink bus service will likely launch in June 2025
- Catering specifically to female students and women
- Operating many hours from 8 AM to 8 PM
- Plans for women-only staff, but driver understaffing may postpone full rollout
- This is a part of a larger initiative to introduce 100 more buses by October 2025
