Odisha Launches LAccMI Scheme to Improve Rural Bus Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik introduced the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme in Malkangiri district. The scheme’s first phase will bring rural bus services to six districts: Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Gajapati.

Under the LAccMI scheme, the state government is set to deploy 1,000 buses throughout rural areas with a budget allocation of Rs 3,178 crore. These buses will operate from panchayats to block headquarters and from block headquarters to district headquarters, significantly improving transportation options for residents.

The Commerce and Transport department has also issued a fare structure for buses operating under the LAccMI initiative. The fares are designed to boost block and district connectivity with reasonable pricing.

For non-AC buses aimed at bolstering block connectivity under LAccMI, fares will range from Rs 5 to Rs 30 based on travel distance within 80 km. Similarly, AC buses designed to enhance district connectivity under LAccMI will charge fares ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 80 for travel distances of up to 80 km.

In a welcome move, the Transport department announced fare concessions for women, students, and physically disabled passengers using LAccMI buses. These groups will enjoy a flat fare of Rs 5 for block connectivity and Rs 10 for district connectivity, regardless of the travel distance.

Student discounts apply to both block and district connectivity bus services under LAccMI, provided that students present valid school/college ID cards or authenticated proof from a competent authority.

The LAccMI scheme, announced in this year’s budget, aims to provide bus services linking panchayats, block headquarters, and district headquarters.