Bihar is set to expand its women-focused public transport network in the new year. From January 1, 2026, a new district will join the Pink Bus Service initiative. Nalanda district will begin operations with two new Pink Buses. These buses will cater exclusively to women passengers. The buses will also be driven by trained female drivers.
The Pink Bus Service is already operational in five Bihar districts. These include Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Purnia. With the addition of Nalanda, the state aims to strengthen women’s safety and mobility further. Officials say the service has received encouraging responses from women commuters.
Nalanda Joins the Pink Bus Network
The launch of the Pink Bus Service in Nalanda will take place on January 1. The inauguration will be led by Transport Minister Shravan Kumar. Transport department officials confirmed preparations are complete. The two buses will begin regular service from the first day of the year.
Only women passengers will be allowed to travel on these buses. The driving responsibility will also rest entirely with women drivers. Authorities believe this approach will enhance confidence among female travelers. The service targets working women, students, and homemakers.
Focus on Safe and Comfortable Travel
According to the transport department, the Pink Bus Service is designed with safety in mind. Women often face challenges while commuting, especially during early morning or late evening hours. The dedicated service aims to reduce such concerns. Officials say the initiative promotes inclusive and secure public transport.
The buses will operate on selected routes with high female commuter demand. Authorities are assessing local travel patterns in Nalanda. Routes will connect educational institutions, workplaces, and major residential areas. The plan focuses on convenience and accessibility.
Gradual Expansion Across Districts
The transport department has adopted a phased expansion plan. In the first phase, more than 20 Pink Buses are currently operating statewide. These buses run across the initial five districts. The response has encouraged the government to scale up operations.
In the second phase, over 110 additional buses will be deployed. These buses will serve multiple districts across Bihar. Officials say expansion will continue gradually. The aim is to cover more urban and semi-urban regions.
Recruitment of Female Drivers Begins
The appointment process for women drivers has already started. Applications are being accepted at District Transport Office locations. This process is active in districts where Pink Buses already operate. Nalanda has also begun preparations for recruitment.
Selected women drivers will receive specialized training. The training focuses on safety, route familiarity, and passenger interaction. Authorities want to ensure smooth operations without technical or operational difficulties. The training program also covers emergency handling.
Government Commitment to Women Employment
The Pink Bus Service is not limited to passenger safety. It also promotes employment opportunities for women. By appointing women drivers and conductors, the government aims to empower women economically. This initiative creates a visible presence of women in public service roles.
Earlier, a shortage of trained women drivers posed challenges. Due to this, male drivers were temporarily assigned. The government later intensified recruitment efforts. Training programs were introduced to bridge the skill gap.
Women Drivers and Conductors by March 2026
Transport Minister Shravan Kumar previously announced a clear timeline. By March 2026, all Pink Buses will have women drivers and conductors. The state government has committed resources to achieve this goal. Training centers are being strengthened for faster deployment.
The government also invited applications from JEEViKA Didis. These women are part of rural livelihood programs. Many expressed interest in joining the transport workforce. Officials believe this will further strengthen community participation.
Pink Bus Service Launched Earlier This Year
The Pink Bus Service was introduced in Bihar earlier this year. The initiative marked a significant step toward gender-sensitive transport planning. Initial services began in major cities with dense commuter traffic. Patna was among the first districts to adopt the service.
Patna saw strong ridership from the beginning. Women commuters appreciated the dedicated service. Similar feedback was reported from Muzaffarpur and Bhagalpur. The positive response encouraged further expansion plans.
Nalanda’s Strategic Importance
Nalanda district holds educational and administrative importance. It hosts colleges, coaching centers, and offices. A large number of women travel daily for studies and work. Officials say Nalanda was a natural choice for expansion.
Nalanda has a growing urban population. Public transport demand has increased steadily. The Pink Bus Service is expected to ease commuting challenges. Authorities believe it will improve daily travel experiences.
Routes and Operations Under Review
Transport officials are finalizing operational details. Bus schedules will be aligned with peak travel hours. Morning and evening services will receive priority. Feedback from local women commuters will guide future adjustments.
Authorities are also considering fare structures. The aim is to keep fares affordable. Officials believe reasonable pricing will ensure wider usage. Operational monitoring will continue during the initial weeks.
Long-Term Vision of the Initiative
The Pink Bus Service reflects Bihar’s broader transport vision. The government aims to create inclusive mobility systems. Women-centric services form a key part of this plan. Officials say safe transport supports education and employment.
The initiative also aligns with national goals on women empowerment. By improving public transport access, authorities hope to reduce dependency. This can encourage more women to pursue opportunities freely.
Public Response and Expectations
Women commuters have expressed optimism about the Nalanda launch. Many see it as a progressive step. Students and working professionals expect safer journeys. The presence of women drivers adds to their confidence.
Local residents also welcome the initiative. Community leaders believe it will inspire more women to join public service roles. They say visible representation matters greatly.
With Nalanda joining the Pink Bus Service, Bihar continues expanding women-focused transport solutions. The January 1 launch marks another milestone for the state. Dedicated buses, women drivers, and phased expansion reflect strong policy intent.
As more districts come under the Pink Bus network, officials expect lasting impact. Safe, reliable transport remains essential for women’s mobility. The coming months will determine how effectively the service scales across Bihar.
