“Jeevika Didi Rasoi” Set to Transform Bihar’s Bus Depots with Affordable, Nutritious Meals

Patna: Bihar’s bus depots are about to get a major upgrade in passenger amenities as the state government rolls out “Jeevika Didi Rasoi” across 19 major depots. The initiative aims to provide affordable, hygienic, and nutritious meals to passengers and bus staff, while also empowering rural women through self-employment.

Bringing Home-Style Meals to Bus Depots
Long journeys often leave passengers struggling to find quality meals at bus depots. With this program, depots will no longer just be transit points—they will serve as hubs for clean and wholesome food. The first phase will cover 19 key depots, including Bankipur, Ara, Bihar Sharif, Phulwari Sharif, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Motihari, Chapra, Siwan, Darbhanga, Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Nawada, Bhagalpur, Jamui, Munger, Purnia, and Saharsa.

Government Push for Quality and Hygiene
The move comes after Transport and Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar inspected several depots and expressed concern over poor food quality and disorderly arrangements. He emphasized that passengers and drivers deserve better facilities, prompting the government to direct the establishment of “Jeevika Didi Rasoi” at these locations.

Passenger Relief, Driver Respect
Previously, complaints about expensive, unhygienic, and irregular meals were common. With the new initiative, passengers can expect clean, nutritious, and budget-friendly meals, while drivers and conductors will receive respectable dining facilities. This will also enhance the overall image of the depots.

Empowering Women Through Self-Employment
The program is part of Bihar’s Jeevika rural development initiative. Local women associated with self-help groups will operate the Rasoi outlets, gaining steady income and dignified employment. This integrated approach combines transport and rural development objectives, providing tangible benefits to both commuters and women entrepreneurs.

A Proven Model
“Jeevika Didi Rasoi” has already been successfully implemented at hospitals, government offices, and other public spaces. Extending this model to bus depots ensures that the initiative strengthens passenger welfare, driver support, and women’s empowerment simultaneously, while also boosting the rural economy.

With this program, Bihar’s bus depots are poised to become more than just transit points—they will represent trust, convenience, and quality food for all travelers.