Odisha to launch robust public transport system for enhanced connectivity – N.F Times

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government will launch a new scheme for seamless public transport network across the state.

The Odisha Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today gave its nod to Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) to boost public transport network from the gram panchayat level to the state capital, said Chief Secretary PK Jena.

The new scheme will ensure sustainable, affordable, assured and safe transportation of passengers and commodities across Odisha, added the Chief Secretary.

Under LAccMI scheme, bus network planning will be undertaken in a hierarchical manner:

• Block Connectivity facilitating bus communication between gram panchayats and their respective block headquarters.
• District Connectivity facilitating bus communication between block headquarters and their respective district headquarters.
• Jagannath Express connecting district headquarters with Bhubaneswar or Puri via the state capital.
• LAccMI Express providing connectivity between district headquarters and major cities in Odisha.

The project cost has been estimated to be Rs 3,178 crore for the first three years of the bus operation (from 2023-24 to 2025-26). The scheme will be implemented in a phased manner, said the Chief Secretary.

“Around 1,000 buses would be deployed under LAccMI scheme. The tenure of the scheme would be for 10 years. It can be extended for two more years,” he added.