Travelers in Bihar have received good news from the state government regarding inter-state connectivity. The Bihar Transport Department has decided to operate buses on 346 routes connecting the state to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This move aims to provide relief to passengers who face difficulties traveling to neighboring states, especially during festival seasons like Holi and Eid.
Which states will get new bus services?
The transport department has released a detailed list of routes for five neighboring states. Jharkhand will see the highest number of new services, making travel to cities like Ranchi and Tata much easier. The government has invited applications from private vehicle owners and state transport corporations to run these buses. The distribution of routes is planned to cover major destinations and business hubs.
| State | Number of Routes | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Jharkhand | 200 | Ranchi, Tata, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh |
| West Bengal | 45 | Kolkata, Siliguri, Howrah |
| Odisha | 39 | Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balasore |
| Uttar Pradesh | 34 | Varanasi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur |
| Chhattisgarh | 28 | Ambikapur, Korba, Jashpur |
What is the application process and deadline?
Bus operators and vehicle owners interested in these routes must apply for permits before the deadline. The department has set February 24, 2026, as the last date for submitting applications. Applicants need to fill out the form online first and then submit a hard copy to the Transport Department office by the same date.
There are strict rules for vehicles plying on these routes. Buses must generally meet BS-VI emission standards to ensure less pollution. For routes going to Odisha, vehicles must not be older than 10 years. Additionally, it is mandatory to reserve two seats in the first row for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in every bus.
