New Delhi: The Delhi govt has started the process to roll out direct bus services to Bihar, with the transport department proposing an inter-state reciprocal transport agreement with the state to connect 18 destinations there with the national capital.The draft agreement proposes stage carriage services on routes linking Delhi with Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj and other major towns. The move is aimed at expanding inter-state public transport options for the large number of passengers travelling between Delhi and Bihar. “The demand for Delhi-Bihar travel is high almost throughout the year as a large number of people from Bihar stay in Delhi and the demand peaks during festivals,” said an official.Under the proposed arrangement, Delhi and Bihar will have a permit quota of 12 buses each on all identified routes. The services will operate in both directions, with corresponding Bihar-Delhi routes included in the agreement.Four routes have been proposed between Delhi and Patna, while two each will connect Delhi with Gaya and Muzaffarpur. Other destinations include Bihar Sharif, Buxar, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Kishanganj, Madhubani, Nawada and Purnea.The longest proposed service is the Delhi-Kishanganj route, covering around 1,416 km. Delhi-Purnea will cover approximately 1,390 km, while the Delhi-Araria route will span around 1,348 km. The proposed Delhi-Patna services will cover between 1,045 km and 1,182 km, depending on the route and alignment.The draft also lays down vehicle standards. Only BS-VI or newer diesel buses, as well as CNG and electric buses, will be permitted. Diesel stage carriage buses will have an age limit of 10 years, while petrol/CNG vehicles will be restricted to 15 years, subject to directions of the Supreme Court, NGT and the Centre.The buses will also have to be fitted with vehicle location tracking devices and emergency buttons as mandated under central rules. They will originate and terminate at terminals designated by the respective authorities.Only authorised state transport undertakings or private bus operators holding valid licences and permits can operate stage carriage services between Delhi and Bihar. If a regular permit cannot be issued because of a pending transport scheme or delay in renewal, the home state can issue a temporary permit for up to four months, but it will require the approval of the other state, said an official.The draft specifies that buses on different routes will pass through major towns and cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including Noida, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Ara.Bus timings will be finalised through mutual consultation between the two states. Fares, passenger taxes and designated stops will be governed by the prevailing provisions of the respective states.
