Bhubaneswar: In a significant expansion of the LAccMI Bus service, the Odisha Government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, introduced the initiative in five additional districts on Monday. The Chief Minister inaugurated the bus service in Balangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh through a virtual ceremony.
A total of 301 buses will be operational in 1340 Panchayats across these districts, benefiting over 83 lakh people. The distribution includes 44 buses covering 313 Panchayats in Balangir, catering to over 16.50 lakh residents. Additionally, 60 buses will run in 243 Panchayats of Bargarh, benefiting 16.50 lakh people. Bhadrak will witness 25 buses in action across 158 Panchayats, providing assistance to 10.80 lakh individuals, as per official records.
In Mayurbhanj, the service will encompass 107 buses operating in 386 Gram Panchayats, benefiting 24.20 lakh people. Sundargarh will have 65 buses running across 240 Gram Panchayats, offering support to 17.20 lakh residents.
This innovative scheme, initiated under the 5T initiatives of the State Government, facilitates bus services from Panchayats to Blocks. Over 1000 buses are expected to operate throughout the state, with Mission Shakti members entrusted with the responsibility of managing the bus service.
Addressing the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized the pivotal role of the LAccMI bus service in simplifying life and contributing to the village economy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Panchayats the epicenter of development and empowering the rural economy.
The LAccMI Bus aims to connect people, strengthen social and economic life, provide affordable transport for students, and facilitate farmers’ access to markets. Notably, women and students can avail themselves of the bus service for a nominal fee of only 5 rupees.
Ministers Tukuni Sahu, Sarada Prasad Nayak, Sudam Marndi, Basanti Hembram, and MLAs attended the program, alongside 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Kartik Pandian. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also highlighted the recently launched Shri Jagannath Express Bus Service, aimed at facilitating pilgrims’ darshan of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath and experiencing the Srimandir Parikrama Project, with reduced ticket prices for women.
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