Travellers arriving in Gaya by a night train can now avail of the free bus service offered by police for safe journey to their destinations in the town.

On Saturday night, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ganesh Kumar flagged off the first 24-seat bus at 10pm on the premises of the Gaya railway station. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Rakesh Kumar and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Sources in the police said the service has been started to check robbery on the roads of the city during the night.

People who arrive by train often fall victim to robbers and petty criminals. Taking advantage of the darkness and empty streets, criminals target travellers and snatch their purses, cellphones, ornaments or money. Most such cases are not reported either.

SSP Kumar said the bus service was a part of new experiments in friendly policing. “The personnel patrol the roads of the town during the night. But criminals are always on the lookout for an opportunity to target citizens. In an effort to provide security to them, the night bus service has been started,” he said.

The bus will go from the railway station to Sikaria Mor through one route and return to the station through another.

While the service is free for citizens, the police will also not have to bear any extra expense for it.

“Personnel go out to patrol in vehicles from the Police Lines. The night bus will serve two purposes. It will not only escort passengers home but also ensure patrolling the streets,” he said, adding that more buses would be added to the service soon.

Service

Night bus at Gaya railway station

Provider

Police

Reason

Security for passengers arriving by trains at night

Routes

Railway station-Kashinath Mor-Mirza Ghalib College- Anugrah Puri Colony-Sikaria Mor

Sikaria Mor-Gewal Bigha-Vishnupad
temple-Chand

Chaura-Nadraganj-Peer Mansoor-Gautam Buddha Road-Gol Patthar-New Godown-railway staion

Charge

Free