Bihar is the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size at  99200 sq km ,and 3rd largest by population.
 
In a bid to fight poverty,Biharis, particularly the poorest section of the society who travel are risking their lives virtually every moment of their journey by travelling on  top of the already crowded buses and taxis to save money; The passengers are charged half the rate, if they agree to sit on top the buses, majority of them  rickety.

Myself and my senior journalist colleague Mr Seshachandrika who toured Bihar for 45 days during the last General Elections were horrified to see old and young people, including women and children travelling on the roof top of rickety buses holding their life in one hand and their belongings on the other.

Since the roads have been repaired and relaid in most of the districts in
Bihar, the drivers have a habit of driving in a rash and negligent manner
risking the lives of passengers every moment of their travel.

Though efforts have been made   to make the youth understand the risk of travelling on roof top and the danger of low-level bridges ahead but they did not listen. Strict action should be taken against persons concerned and private bus operators for allowing travelling on the roofs of buses in city as well as in district limits. The permit for such buses would be cancelled if they violated the orders.

Nitish Kumar Government should direct  the district administration, Police and Regional Transport Authority  (RTA) to conduct a joint a operation to check rooftop travelling on buses as well as goods autorikshaws ferrying people.

More than 70% of the 100 million people in Bihar live in poverty. Most belong  to socially marginalised castes. Women are especially disadvantaged.
Only 11% of women are literate. Many girls marry before they are 18.
Women suffer from lack of maternal health care, unwanted pregnancies,
and closely spaced births. They lack vital health knowledge and have a limited role in decision-making. More than half of the farmers are landless and work on other people’s farms.

Road accidents occur frequently in India and are often blamed on reckless driving, ageing vehicles and overloading.

Private buses tend to be cheaper but drivers are notorious speed-demons and conductors cram as many passengers on as possible to maximise profits.
Roof riding on public buses used to be a thrilling way to see the Indian
countryside but the authorities have decided that it is (a) dangerous, and (b) too much fun.  

The crew was collecting passengers like local bus and stuffing them inside. driving. …. Travelling on  roof top is dangerous and is illegal  but authorities seem to be  turning a Nelson’s eye as they get their regular haftha.

Will Nitish Kumar government initiate adequate steps to introduce more State Transport buses and help the poor to travel safely.