Now, board a bus and explore Patna

PATNA: The state government will soon launch ‘Patna Darshan Parivahan Seva’ in and around the state capital. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) will run the bus service to promote tourism in the city.
“The buses will take people to tourist spots such as Patna Museum, Bihar Museum, Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib Gurdwara, Kumhrar archaeological park and Manersharif among other places.The bus fair will include the entry charges for Patna Museum, Bihar Museum and Buddha Smriti Park among others,” a senior BSTDC official said, wishing anonymity.
The official said intending operators have been invited to submit their bids for running the bus service. Sources said the vehicles will be airconditioned and may have LED screens installed for the entertainment of tourists. “The operator will provide efficient, courteous and disciplined staff for Patna Darshan service.
The buses will start from BSTDC’s headquarters at Hotel Kautilya Vihar and take tourists to Kumhrar Park via Shaheed Smarak, Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, Bihar Museum, Patna Museum, Golghar, Sabhyata Dwar, Kargil Chowk, Khuda Bakhsh Library and Buddha Smriti Park.
Residents, too, are excited about the service. “Although I am a native of Patna, but I have not gone to places like the Gurdwara in Patna City or Manersharif as my husband is usually busy with his work. Thus, I will definitely avail Patna Darshan service with my 11-year-old daughter,” said Aprita, a resident of Ashiana Nagar.
BSTDC has three AC luxury buses. Two of the buses are run on Patna-Ranchi-Patna route and the third one remains as reserve. Besides, the tourism corporation runs four 35-seater (2/2) non-AC tourist buses on Patna-Bodh Gaya route. It takes nearly four hours to travel around 110km distance from Patna to Bodh Gaya.