As the festive season approaches, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has announced a special bus service starting from September 20, 2025. The service will operate daily, connecting Bihar with Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, and West Bengal.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the rising demand for travel during festival months. Every year, thousands of passengers from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal travel to Bihar for celebrations. Train tickets are often unavailable due to heavy rush. To solve this problem, BSRTC has planned additional bus services on major routes.
Online Booking Facility Already Started
To make the journey convenient for passengers, BSRTC launched online booking on September 1, 2025. Passengers can reserve tickets digitally using UPI, debit cards, and net banking. The schedule for special buses has also been released to ensure clarity.
The corporation has assured that the new services will offer comfort, safety, and affordability. With the festive rush in mind, buses will run daily from major cities in Bihar to important destinations in other states.
Special Focus on Delhi Route
The demand for buses between Delhi and Bihar is always high during Puja season. Keeping this in mind, BSRTC has planned 65 buses for this route. These buses will operate between Patna, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Delhi’s Anand Vihar terminal.
Departure times from Bihar to Delhi are scheduled between 2 pm and 8 pm. Passengers will have the choice of AC seater and sleeper categories for comfort. The same facilities will be available for those traveling from Delhi to Bihar.
Additional Services for Haryana and Other States
Apart from Delhi, BSRTC has also announced special arrangements for passengers traveling to Haryana. Around 30 buses will operate daily, ensuring smooth travel. The inclusion of AC and sleeper categories aims to provide flexibility for passengers based on their budget.
Similar services are scheduled for routes connecting Bihar with Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The buses will run at regular intervals to manage the festive rush.
Timetable for Key Routes
To avoid confusion, BSRTC has shared the detailed timetable for special services.
For the Kolkata-Patna route, buses will leave at 6 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm. The Ghaziabad-Patna service will start from Ghaziabad at 2 pm, while departures from Patna are scheduled for 4 pm.
For Delhi-Gaya, buses will leave at 1:30 pm, 4 pm, and 9 pm. From Gaya to Delhi, departures are set for 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
On the Kolkata-Gaya route, buses will operate from 4 pm to 9 pm. For Delhi-Purnia, services will depart from Delhi at 1 pm, while buses from Purnia will leave at 11 am.
The detailed schedule ensures that passengers can plan their trips in advance without last-minute confusion.
Subsidized Fares on Patna-Delhi Route
One of the most significant announcements by BSRTC is the subsidy scheme for the Patna-Delhi route. The government will share part of the ticket cost, reducing the burden on passengers.
For AC buses, the total fare will be Rs 1,873. Passengers will pay Rs 1,254, while the government will cover Rs 619 as subsidy. For non-AC buses, the total fare will be Rs 1,527. Passengers will pay Rs 1,133, with Rs 394 covered by the government.
In the case of AC sleeper buses, the total fare will be Rs 2,812. Passengers will pay Rs 1,893, and the government subsidy will be Rs 919.
This subsidy has been welcomed by travelers, as it ensures affordability during a time when private operators often increase fares unfairly.
Ensuring Safe and Comfortable Travel
BSRTC has assured passengers that every bus will include digital payment facilities. Travelers can use UPI, debit cards, or net banking to make secure payments.
The buses are equipped with comfortable seating, proper ventilation, and safety measures for long-distance travel. AC seater and sleeper categories will ensure that both budget-conscious and premium travelers have suitable options.
The services will run from September 20, 2025, until November 30, 2025. This two-month window covers major festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, when travel demand is highest.
Preventing Exploitation by Private Operators
BSRTC officials emphasized that the special service will prevent exploitation by private bus operators. During festive months, private operators are known to charge exorbitant fares due to high demand.
By introducing government-operated buses at subsidized rates, BSRTC is offering an affordable and reliable alternative. This step is expected to ease the financial burden on families traveling home for celebrations.
Positive Response from Passengers
Passengers have already started booking tickets online. Many have expressed relief that BSRTC is addressing their travel concerns. With limited train tickets and high private fares, these buses have become a dependable option.
The ability to pay digitally and access clear schedules has made planning easier. Families, students, and workers traveling from Delhi, Haryana, and Bengal to Bihar are expected to benefit the most.
Wider Impact of the Initiative
The special bus service is more than just a transport plan. It reflects the government’s effort to provide safe, accessible, and affordable travel during festivals. By connecting Bihar to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, BSRTC is ensuring that migration for festivities happens smoothly.
Experts believe that such initiatives improve public confidence in state transport services. It also reduces dependence on private operators and unregulated travel systems.
The festive season is one of the busiest travel periods in Bihar. By planning ahead and announcing services early, BSRTC has taken a proactive step. The availability of subsidized fares, digital payments, and daily services across multiple states highlights the seriousness of the effort.
As the services begin from September 20, 2025, the real test will be in managing large crowds efficiently. If successful, BSRTC may consider continuing such initiatives in future festive seasons.
For now, passengers traveling home for Durga Puja, Diwali, or Chhath can look forward to safe, comfortable, and affordable journeys.
