Public transport in Bihar is emerging as a vehicle for inclusion and social support, with more than 4.96 lakh persons with disabilities, freedom fighters, and JP movement activists availing free or concessional travel on government buses between 2017 and 2023. The data was presented on Tuesday during a review meeting of the Transport Department, chaired by Transport Minister Shravan Kumar.
According to officials, the scheme offers complete fare exemption on Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) buses for journeys up to 50 km. For travel beyond this distance, only half the fare is charged. The minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that essential services reach the most vulnerable.
The benefit has been extended across BSRTC’s six divisions, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Purnia and Gaya, with Gaya recording the highest usage. In the Gaya division alone, 4.82 lakh people with disabilities and 5,320 JP movement activists used the concession, with the corporation spending more than Rs 25 crore on the facility. Other divisions saw 4,016 beneficiaries in Patna, 3,528 in Muzaffarpur, 303 in Darbhanga, 669 in Bhagalpur and 91 in Purnia.
Minister Kumar said the lower fares of state-run buses, compared to private vehicles and auto-rickshaws, help reduce the financial burden on people who often travel for medical, administrative or other essential needs.
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Describing the initiative as an example of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, he added that the department plans to further strengthen social security by making bus services more accessible and convenient in the coming years.