India, Aug. 10 -- The Delhi government has begun the process of establishing direct inter-state bus connectivity with Bihar by proposing a reciprocal transport agreement that would allow regular stage carriage services between the national capital and 18 destinations across the neighbouring state. Officials said the transport department has been asked to prepare a draft agreement with the Bihar government to improve public transport options for the large number of commuters travelling between the two states. The proposal envisions an equal allocation of permits, with each state allowed to operate 12 buses on the identified routes. Also Read - Kanwar boomboxes, Delhi asked to listen Under the proposed network, four routes have been planned between Delhi and Patna, while two routes each are proposed for Gaya and Muzaffarpur. The remaining destinations include Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, Bihar Sharif, Buxar, Madhubani, East Champaran and Nawada, among others. According to officials, "passenger demand between Delhi and Bihar remains consistently high because a significant population from Bihar lives and works in the capital. Travel volumes increase sharply during major festivals, making additional public transport services necessary." The proposed Delhi-Kishanganj route, spanning nearly 1,416 km, would be the longest under the agreement. Services to Purnea and Araria would cover approximately 1,390 km and 1,348 km, respectively. Depending on the alignment, buses travelling between Delhi and Patna would operate over distances ranging from around 1,045 km to 1,182 km.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.