Women in Bihar are making a strong presence in areas previously considered male-dominated. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, there has been a surge in the number of women obtaining light motor vehicle driving licenses. Since 2018, over 129,000 women in the state have become holders of driving licenses for two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
According to the Transport Department’s data, Patna district leads with 29,417 women acquiring driving licenses in the last eight years. Following Patna, Muzaffarpur district has 18,560 women who have taken steps towards empowerment by obtaining driving licenses.
Patna division leads in the issuance of driving licenses, with over 40,000 licenses issued to women. Tirhut division follows with approximately 33,000 women holding licenses. Darbhanga, Magadh, and Munger divisions rank third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, in terms of license acquisition. Kosi division has the lowest number, with around 4,000 women holding driving licenses.
Transport Secretary Sandeep Kumar R. Pudakalkatti noted that women, who previously relied on others for tasks such as dropping off children at school, going to the office, and shopping, are now experiencing a transformation. Women are not only obtaining driving licenses but are also confidently seen behind the wheel.
