In a significant move to empower women and enhance their safety and accessibility in public transport, SMLI has partnered with the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) to introduce a dedicated fleet of 20 women-only ‘Pink Buses’.

The initiative was officially inaugurated today at a special ceremony held at 1 Anne Marg, Patna, where Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar flagged off the first batch of buses. These modern, SMLI 22+1 seater CNG-powered vehicles are designed exclusively for women commuters and will initially serve six major cities in Bihar. Patna will receive eight buses, Muzaffarpur four, and two each in Gaya, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Purnia.

In the state capital, the pink buses will operate along four key routes: Gandhi Maidan to AIIMS-Patna in Phulwarisharif, Danapur and Kurji via Boring Road, and NIT-More to Kankarbagh autorickshaw stand.
As per sources, with the fares ranging from a modest ₹6 to ₹35, the service promises affordability along with convenience. Passengers can also benefit from a range of payment options, including prepaid cards, student passes, and monthly subscriptions.

Though male drivers will initially operate the buses, the conductors on-board will be female only from day one. The plan is to transition to fully women-driven buses once a cohort of women drivers is trained and deployed.

Safety and comfort are at very core of the design by SMLI. Each bus comes equipped with advanced security features such as CCTV surveillance, GPS tracking, panic buttons, speed governors, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and mobile charging ports at every seat. Commuters can track the buses in real-time via the ‘Chalo’ mobile app.

This pink bus service marks a milestone in Bihar’s journey toward inclusive and secure public transportation. By prioritizing women’s needs and safety, the state takes a bold step forward in social empowerment and gender-sensitive urban planning.