Patna, July 18: Nihar Hisariya, a city-based trader, needs to fly frequently from Patna airport for business-related tours. But he has been totally frustrated with the public transportation system available at the airport — be it the pricey cabs or the dismal autorickshaws. He has also been left disappointed with lack of any bus service via airport.

In a favourable turn of events, Hisariya has reasons to rejoice now. He would be having the most economical and soothing mode of transportation. Air-conditioned (AC) bus service would soon be introduced at the airport.

The operator of city route services has agreed to operate airport-bound route of at least two of the eight AC buses to be launched in the state capital.

“After discussion with the Patna airport authority, we have decided to have a separate airport-bound route in the upcoming AC bus service. One bus within a gap of an hour is suggested in the proposed route. The route is likely to connect all major points in the city, including Patna Junction, Income Tax roundabout on Bailey Road and Gandhi Maidan among others to the airport,” Kunal Sharma, the chief operations officer of Eden Transport, said.

He added: “The airport authority has agreed to allow the buses to come till the parking area at the airport. At least two AC buses are likely to operate between 8am and 10pm on this proposed route. Although the ticket fare is yet to be ascertained by Bihar State Road Transport Corporation, a flat ticket rate of Rs 25 is suggested for this route.”

Sharma, however, clarified that the official nod for this proposed route would come from the transport department after the issuance of permit for the route. He would apply for a respective permit at the transport department tomorrow.

The proposal for the airport-bound route of AC buses came after a recent initiative by the director of Patna airport. “As the AC buses are the first-of-its-kind of public transport system in the city, I had requested the transport department to have a route via the airport as well. I am glad that the operator of these buses was highly receptive to the proposal and I look forward to facilitate our guests with this highly comfortable mode of transport,” said Arvind Dubey, the director of Patna airport.

Hisariya, meanwhile, is upbeat with the news of the arrival of AC buses at Patna airport. “I am glad the authorities have thought to provide a quality public transport facility to the people coming to Patna airport. Comfort apart, the AC buses would make a good impression of the capital in the mind of people coming from other states,” said Hisariya.

Earlier, Eden Transport Private Ltd had procured eight Tata Marcopolo (LP 912) AC buses. Each bus has 36 luxurious seats. Six seats would be reserved for women passengers and two for physically challenged persons or senior citizens. The colour of these buses has been kept maroon and these world-class machines would have cameras, global positioning system, fire extinguisher and first-aid kits among other features.