Odisha to Launch Bus Services to Prominent Religious Sites Nationwide

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government is set to launch new bus services connecting the state to various prominent religious destinations across India. This initiative aims to facilitate easier and more comfortable travel for pilgrims from Odisha to significant spiritual sites.

Following a review meeting at the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) office, Odisha Transport and Commerce Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced the forthcoming services. “Bus services to religious places such as Ayodhya, Tirupati, Mahakaleshwar, Varanasi, Vrindavan, and others will be started soon,” Jena stated.

These buses will depart from key cities within Odisha, including Puri, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, and Rourkela. The Minister also addressed the highly discussed Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme, a public transportation project initiated by the previous government to connect Gram Panchayats to the state capital.

“We are examining the LAccMI scheme, but it is our firm assurance that people will get the bus service,” Jena confirmed, hinting at a potential renaming and revision of the scheme.

Furthermore, the Transport Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation in underserved areas. He announced that during the Rath Yatra, bus services would be provided from all 314 block headquarters of the state to the holy city of Puri, ensuring that devotees can attend the festival without transportation issues.

In line with environmental sustainability efforts, the Transport Department will introduce eco-friendly electric buses across the state under the PM-eBus Sewa initiative. This move aims to reduce the carbon footprint and promote green transportation options in Odisha.