Nitish Kumar’s Festival Season Bus Plan for Bihar: Hopeful Move or Political Gimmick?

🚍 “299 Buses Announced, But Will It Drive Bihar’s Real Problem Away?”

As festivals like Chhath, Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja approach, millions of Biharis begin preparing for their journey home from states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal. While these moments bring emotional reunions and cultural celebrations, the road to Bihar often remains long, tiring, and stressful.

In a recent major announcement, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has tried to tackle this travel chaos.

Bihari kyu jate dusre rajyo me uska samadhan karo na. Jab unko Bihar me hi rojgar milega to kyu jayenge dusre rajya me. Bihar me IT park banao industry lagao bus kharidane ki jarurat nahi hogi @JhaSanjay @Jduonline @BJP4Bihar

— Rakesh Ranjan (@RRSingh_1211) June 26, 2025

On June 24, 2025, the Bihar state cabinet approved the operation of 299 new inter-state buses to facilitate smoother travel during festivals. This includes 75 air-conditioned (AC) buses, 74 deluxe non-AC buses, and 150 additional AC buses to be operated under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The government plans to spend ₹105.82 crore for this ambitious project.

But is this just a travel solution—or an election-season strategy?

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🚌 What’s New in Bihar’s Transport Plan?

1. 299 new inter-state buses to be introduced.
2. 75 AC and 74 Deluxe buses to be purchased with public funds.
3. 150 more AC buses via PPP mode.
4. Request to Central Government for more special trains during major festivals.
5. Objective: Reduce the struggle of migrant Biharis during festive travel.

Nitish Kumar tweeted:

“Our government is continuously working to ease the journey of Bihari people who return home during festivals. These new buses are part of that commitment.”

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💬 Voices of Support and Dissent: What Are People Saying?

While some praised the decision for easing festive travel, many others expressed frustration and disappointment on social media platforms. Here are the key reactions:

👍 Supportive Reactions:

यह निर्णय निश्चित रूप से सराहनीय है कि त्योहारों पर बिहार लौटने वाले लाखों प्रवासी भाइयों-बहनों के लिए अंतर्राज्यीय बस सेवा और विशेष ट्रेन सुविधा की दिशा में ठोस कदम उठाए जा रहे हैं। यह न केवल यात्रा को सरल बनाएगा, बल्कि अपनों से जुड़ाव को भी सहज बनाएगा।

👉लेकिन सवाल यह भी है कि…

— MuzaffarnagarTimes (@MuzaffarnagarTm) June 26, 2025

• “This move will help millions during Chhath and Diwali. At least now, people won’t have to fight for seats on trains.”
• “Special trains + inter-state buses = better festival experience. Finally!”

👎 Critical Reactions:

• “Why not spend this ₹100+ crore on generating jobs in Bihar instead?”
• “What about creating IT parks, industries, and permanent employment opportunities?”
• “If there were jobs in Bihar, would we even need these buses?”

Many pointed out that migration from Bihar continues to be a massive issue, not because people want to leave—but because they have no choice. Daily wage earners, skilled laborers, and youth continue to go to other states for better livelihoods.

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🎯 Is This Enough? Or Just a Temporary Bandage?

While the new bus initiative is a commendable effort to reduce travel hardship, critics argue that it doesn’t address the root cause of migration—lack of local employment and economic opportunities.

In an age where states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are building IT parks, SEZs, defense corridors, and manufacturing hubs, Bihar still struggles with basic infrastructure.

Social media users have questioned:

• Why is employment always neglected in policy announcements?
• Why not make Bihar self-reliant so people don’t have to migrate?

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❓ FAQs

1. How many buses will be introduced by the Bihar government?
A total of 299 buses — 75 AC, 74 deluxe non-AC, and 150 AC under PPP mode.

2. When was this plan approved?
It was approved in the Bihar cabinet meeting held on June 24, 2025.

3. Will there be additional trains during festivals?
Yes, the Bihar government will request the Central Government to run more special trains during major festivals.

4. What is the main criticism of this plan?
Many people feel this does not solve Bihar’s employment issues and is only a short-term fix.

5. What are citizens demanding instead?
Job creation, industrial development, and education infrastructure to reduce forced migration.