Preparations for starting bus services between Bihar and Jharkhand are underway, Bihar’s Nitish Kumar government has written a letter to Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren government in this regard. Letter has been sent by Transport Department of the Bihar government and they have stated the desire for bus services to be launched at the earliest to facilitate movement of people. At the same time, it will also enable bus owners to earn their living.
Bus owners have suffered huge losses as buses have been parked for nearly six months due to lockdown. Now that the unlock process has already begun across the country, the general consensus is that bus services should also be started. The Transport Department of Bihar government has said that the buses will be operated in accordance with corona’s guidelines. Social distancing will also be strictly followed in buses so that people travelling do not become vulnerable to corona infections. People will be told to not use vehicle railings as much as possible. Pan, khaini, tobacco, gutkha etc. will be not allowed inside the buses and those consuming them will have to pay heavy fines. Passengers will have to mandatorily wear masks. Bus drivers will have to wash the bus every day and the bus will have to be sanitized after each trip. Drivers and conductors must wear masks, gloves and also ensure availability of sanitizers in the bus.
In both Bihar and Jharkhand, buses have been started operating already with strict guidelines but only within state limits. The Hemant Soren Government is yet to decide on the request from Bihar government The Bihar government has also expressed its intention to start bus services for Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
