CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. There is relief news for passengers travelling from Delhi to Bihar ahead of the Chhath festival. The Delhi government is preparing to start more than 50 air-conditioned luxury buses between the national capital and major cities of Bihar. The aim of the service is to provide additional transport facilities to passengers travelling home during the festival and offer another option amid the scramble for train tickets.
The Delhi Transport Department has sent a proposal for final approval of the plan to Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu. The memorandum of understanding between the Delhi and Bihar governments for this service has already been approved. According to Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh, the government is trying to start bus operations before the Chhath festival. However, the launch of the service will depend on the Lieutenant Governor’s final approval.
Under the proposed plan, Delhi will be connected with seven major locations in Bihar. These include Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Purnia and Bhagalpur, along with other designated destinations. In the initial phase, the plan is to run more than 50 buses. The number of buses may be increased later, depending on passenger response and demand.
Considering the long distance, the plan is to operate air-conditioned luxury buses such as Volvo on these routes. The buses will be about 12 metres long and will provide adequate space for passengers’ luggage. At present, operating electric buses on these long-distance routes is not considered practical because adequate charging facilities are not available along the way. According to the proposal, the buses may be operated through a private operator on a wet-lease model. The buses will have to comply with BS-6 emission standards.
The service is expected to benefit workers, students and families travelling to Bihar. It may also increase the revenue of the Delhi Transport Corporation. However, no final announcement has yet been made on bus fares, fixed schedules, ticket booking and the date of operations on all routes. Passengers will have to wait for official information on these details.
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