Delhi to add 70 buses for Bihar routes before Chhath

Delhi is set to launch dedicated inter-state bus services connecting the national capital with six major cities in Bihar, with the service expected to begin before Chhath Puja.

The Delhi government is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bihar government for the proposed service, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday, reported Hindustan Times.

The 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 move 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.

The proposed services will operate with semi-sleeper deluxe buses in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants. Officials said the routes are being planned to offer direct connectivity between Delhi and the six destinations without requiring passengers to change buses.

A new bus terminal is also being developed at Anand Vihar to support 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, reported HT.

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.

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

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.