Bihar to Launch 299 Buses for Festival Season Travel, Says CM Nitish Kumar
To ensure smooth travel for lakhs of Biharis returning home from across the country during festivals, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a major transport initiative. The Bihar government will roll out 299 new AC and non-AC interstate buses ahead of the festive season, aiming to ease travel congestion during Chhath, Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja.
This decision was approved in a cabinet meeting held on June 24, 2025, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving public transportation and festival-time mobility.
Why the Move Matters
Every year, during peak festive seasons, a large number of Biharis working or studying in cities like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal return home to celebrate with their families. These journeys are often marked by overcrowded trains, jam-packed buses, and high travel costs.
“People from Bihar return home in large numbers during Chhath, Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja and face significant travel difficulties. Our government is constantly working to make their journey smoother,” said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public announcement.
Key Details of the Bihar Transport Plan
🚍 Total Buses Approved: 299
- 75 Air-Conditioned Buses
- 74 Deluxe Non-A.C. Buses
- 150 Additional AC Buses under PPP Model
💰 Total Budget Allocated: ₹105.82 crore
This amount will be used for procuring the 149 government-operated buses (75 AC + 74 deluxe).
🤝 Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
Under the PPP model, 150 AC buses will be run by private operators, expanding capacity and reducing pressure on government resources.
Government to Request Special Festival Trains
Beyond road transport, the Bihar government will also urge the central government and Indian Railways to run special festival trains during major religious holidays.
“We will request the Centre to operate more special trains during festivals, particularly for Chhath, Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja. This will allow our people to travel more comfortably and safely,” CM Nitish Kumar said.
This combined approach aims to provide seamless connectivity, especially for workers, students, and migrants eager to reconnect with their roots during culturally significant times.
Boost to Bihar’s Public Transport Network
This initiative is also a significant investment in Bihar’s public transportation infrastructure:
- Promotes sustainable inter-state travel for the long term.
- Enhances government-private sector collaboration through the PPP model.
- Eases pressure on railway services, which are often overloaded during festivals.
- Creates new jobs in the transport sector by boosting vehicle operations, maintenance, and related services.
Upcoming Festive Timeline in Bihar (2025)
| Festival | Expected Dates |
| Rath Yatra | June 27 – July 8 |
| Muharram | June 27 – July 6/7 |
| Shravan Month | July 11 – August 9 |
| Raksha Bandhan | August 10 |
| Diwali | October 20 |
| Chhath Puja | November 2 – 5 |
With millions expected to travel during these periods, the new transport measures could provide major relief for the public.