Govt to provide free bus travel to NEET candidates

Patna: As many as 975 state-run buses are providing free travel facilities to candidates appearing again for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) across Bihar. The initiative, announced by Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary, aims to ensure that students can reach their examination centres without facing transportation-related difficulties or additional financial burden.The facility is available on all buses operated by the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), as well as on buses operating under undertaking arrangements. Of the total fleet, 778 buses are owned and operated by BSRTC, while 197 buses are being run under undertaking arrangements. Officials said the benefit is being extended across all routes on which these buses normally operate.BSRTC administrator Atul Kumar Verma said candidates do not need any special pass or prior registration to avail the facility.

“They only have to produce a copy of their NEET admit card while boarding the bus. Upon verification of the admit card, they will be allowed to travel free of cost,” he said.The concession is meant exclusively for NEET candidates. Verma clarified that parents, guardians or any other accompanying persons will not be eligible for free travel and will have to purchase tickets as per the applicable fare.“The free travel facility can be availed by candidates travelling from one district to another for the examination.

For instance, if a student is travelling from Purnia to Patna or any other city through a route served by BSRTC buses, he or she can travel without paying any fare by simply showing the admit card. The free travel benefit will be valid for both onward and return journeys,” Verma told this newspaper on Friday.Officials said all BSRTC depots and operating staff have been informed about the arrangement. Candidates have been advised to keep their admit card with them while travelling to avoid any inconvenience and ensure smooth access to the free transport facility.