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Government bus service between Delhi and Bihar set to launch before Chhath

Indian authorities have identified 18 routes for a new state-operated bus service connecting Delhi and Bihar, aiming to begin operations ahead of the major festival season. The initiative will provide an alternative to existing private bus operators currently dominating the route.

LSN India · 2 October 2026

Transport officials overseeing the Delhi-Bihar corridor have finalized plans for a government-backed bus service expected to commence operations before the Chhath festival, one of the year's peak travel periods for migrants returning to their home states. The project encompasses 18 identified routes designed to improve connectivity between the capital and Bihar, a state that sees substantial passenger movement during festive seasons.

Currently, the Delhi-Bihar route remains dominated entirely by private bus operators, creating a gap in government-run transport infrastructure. The new service aims to address accessibility concerns and potentially offer more affordable fares to passengers traveling between the two regions. Officials have been working to ensure the rollout timeline aligns with festival travel demand.

The identification of 18 operational routes represents a significant expansion of inter-state connectivity. Transport authorities have likely considered factors including passenger volume, existing private service schedules, and infrastructure capacity at major terminals in both states during route planning. The timing ahead of Chhath suggests coordinated efforts to manage the seasonal surge in travel.

Successful implementation of the service could establish a template for expanding government bus operations on other high-demand inter-state corridors across northern India. The initiative reflects broader efforts to strengthen public transport infrastructure and provide commuters with regulated, government-operated alternatives to private services.