In a major step toward improving public transport for women, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has allocated 16 additional pink buses for Muzaffarpur. The new buses are designed to provide safe, comfortable, and modern travel for female passengers.

These buses come with advanced features like GPS tracking, panic buttons, CCTV cameras, mobile charging points, and first-aid kits. In addition, digital payment options including UPI and debit cards have been introduced for easy fare collection.

Women-Centric Public Transport in Muzaffarpur

Muzaffarpur already had several pink buses operating on key routes, but the demand for more capacity led the state corporation to add 16 new buses. According to officials, the routes for these new buses will be decided based on the number of female passengers and their travel requirements.

Once the allocation process is completed, authorities will apply for route permits and finalize schedules. The Regional Transport Authority will meet before the buses begin operations. Women traveling alone or commuting daily for work, education, or personal reasons are expected to benefit the most.

Existing Pink Bus Routes

Currently, pink buses operate on several routes in the district, including Muzaffarpur–Kesariya, Muzaffarpur–Sheohar, Muzaffarpur–Paroo, and Muzaffarpur–Pusa. These services have already received positive responses from women passengers who appreciate the safety measures and convenience.

The pink buses in Muzaffarpur include several features that ensure security and comfort. Each bus is fitted with:

• GPS tracking systems for real-time monitoring

• Panic buttons for emergency alerts

• CCTV cameras inside the bus

• First-aid boxes for immediate medical needs

• Mobile charging facilities for passengers

Additionally, female conductors have been appointed in many of these buses to make women feel more secure during travel.

Expansion Across Bihar

The pink bus service is not limited to Muzaffarpur. BSRTC has allocated a total of 80 pink buses across Bihar. Patna received the largest share with 22 buses, followed by Muzaffarpur with 16, Gaya and Darbhanga with 13 each, and Bhagalpur and Purnea with 8 each.

Authorities are working to ensure that these buses are operational soon. The expansion reflects the state’s commitment to providing women with a safe and reliable public transport system.

Digital Payment in State Buses

Alongside the new bus allocations, BSRTC has also introduced digital payment facilities in its buses. Passengers can now pay fares using UPI and debit cards, reducing the need for cash transactions. This initiative aims to make public transport more convenient and in line with India’s growing push toward digital transactions.

On the first day, the system was launched on buses running on Patna routes. Conductors have been equipped with e-ticketing machines to issue tickets and process digital payments. This marks a significant step forward in modernizing Bihar’s public transport.

Though there were initial server glitches, officials assured that the system would stabilize. Training sessions were conducted for drivers and conductors to familiarize them with the machines. Within a few days, the facility is expected to extend to other routes across the state.

Passenger Reactions

Several passengers welcomed the digital payment system and the expansion of pink bus services. Students, professionals, and women commuters expressed relief at having both safer transport and modern fare collection methods.

Passengers like Pooja Kumari and Renu Kumari highlighted that UPI and debit card payments would make their daily commute easier. Abhishek Kumar and Manoj Kumar also supported the change, pointing out that it reduces dependency on carrying cash.

Operational Process and Future Plans

Officials confirmed that Muzaffarpur currently has around 96 BSRTC buses operating across various routes. Each bus will gradually be equipped with e-ticketing machines. The authorities are confident that once all buses are integrated into the system, passengers will benefit from hassle-free transactions.

The introduction of new pink buses and the digital ticketing system is part of a larger modernization plan. BSRTC aims to improve accessibility, comfort, and security in public transport across Bihar. Women-centric initiatives, such as pink buses, are at the core of these reforms.

Safety Features and Significance

The safety features of the pink buses are among their most important aspects. GPS allows real-time tracking, ensuring buses can be monitored for route compliance and passenger safety. Panic buttons alert control rooms in case of emergencies, while CCTV cameras provide surveillance to deter crime and misconduct.

These features, combined with the presence of female conductors, create a travel environment that is safe and reassuring for women. Authorities believe this will encourage more women to use public transport confidently, reducing dependence on private or unsafe alternatives.

Importance for Muzaffarpur

Muzaffarpur, being one of Bihar’s major cities, has a high number of female commuters. Students, office workers, and market-goers often travel alone, which makes safe public transport essential. The addition of 16 pink buses will directly ease travel pressure and address safety concerns.

With GPS and panic button systems, families can also track and feel assured about the safety of their relatives traveling by bus. This initiative strengthens public trust in state-run transport services.

Broader Impact in Bihar

The introduction of pink buses across Bihar is also a strong statement about gender-inclusive development. By focusing on women’s travel needs, the state ensures that half its population feels safe in public spaces. Reliable transport not only empowers women but also boosts economic and educational opportunities.

The digital payment system further aligns Bihar with national initiatives promoting cashless transactions. It reduces risks of theft, ensures transparent fare collection, and brings efficiency into daily operations.

The launch of 16 new pink buses in Muzaffarpur marks a significant step in improving women’s travel safety and convenience. With advanced features like GPS, panic buttons, and CCTV cameras, these buses promise a secure experience. At the same time, the introduction of digital payment through UPI and debit cards modernizes fare collection and simplifies commuting.

Bihar’s initiative to expand pink buses across its districts reflects a forward-looking approach to gender-friendly transport. For Muzaffarpur, this move is expected to bring relief to thousands of women who depend on buses every day.

With the combination of safety measures and digital innovation, Bihar is moving toward a more inclusive and modern public transport system.