Govt introduces pink bus service for staff

Patna: In a bid to strengthen public transport, reduce petrol and diesel consumption and provide safe and convenient commuting options for govt employees, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has introduced dedicated electric and pink bus services for Secretariat staff.The service was officially inaugurated on Monday by minister Damodar Rawat, who flagged off the buses. Senior officials present on the occasion included additional secretary of the transport department Praveen Kumar, BSRTC administrator Atul Kumar Verma and chief of administration Subhash Narayan, among others.Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that thousands of Secretariat employees currently travel in private vehicles every day, adding to traffic congestion and increasing fuel consumption. He expressed confidence that the new service will offer govt employees a safe, affordable and comfortable public transport alternative, thereby reducing dependence on private vehicles and promoting fuel savings.He added that the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel.Transport secretary Raj Kumar stated that the main objective of the bus service is to provide better public transport facilities to govt employees. The service will make daily commuting easier while also reducing reliance on private vehicles and contributing to fuel conservation, he said.BSRTC administrator Atul Kumar Verma informed that a total of 25 buses, including 15 electric buses and 10 pink buses, operate on five major routes in Patna to serve Secretariat-bound employees.