Patna: The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) is launching a recruitment drive for female drivers to operate its state-run “Pink Bus” service entirely with women. Applications will be accepted until December 15, with selected candidates set to undertake a two-week specialized training session at the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Aurangabad, starting January 20. This training will provide accommodation and boarding, and candidates who successfully complete it will be offered contractual positions. To qualify, applicants must possess either an HMV or LMV driving license and have a minimum of three years of driving experience. The age requirement for applicants is between 21 to 40 years as of January 1, 2026.
The corporation will assist women with LMV licenses in acquiring an HMV license to encourage greater participation. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated 20 pink buses on May 16, and currently, there are eight operating in Patna, four in Muzaffarpur, and two each in Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Purnia, and Gaya. The second phase will see the addition of 22 buses in Patna, 16 in Muzaffarpur, 13 each in Darbhanga and Gaya, and eight each in Purnia and Bhagalpur, increasing the total fleet to 100 buses statewide. These CNG-powered buses are designed with women’s safety in mind, featuring sanitary pad vending machines, contraceptive pills, panic buttons, GPS, cameras, charging points, microphones, and music systems.
Both drivers and conductors will be women, aimed at enhancing safety and confidence for female passengers. The BSRTC states that this initiative provides employment opportunities, dignity, and a path to self-reliance for women in Bihar. More information is available on the corporation’s website and at local transport offices.