Patnaik launches a $3,178 million bus program for rural areas and dedicates new projects in Malkangiri, Odisha

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched the affordable bus service under the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme here in addition to launching development projects worth Rs 793 crore in the tribal-dominated Malkangiri district, reiterating his government’s commitment to the development of the state’s remote areas.

Patnaik launched 36 buses as part of the district’s plan to link all 111 gram panchayats with the district headquarters and the state capital during his one-day visit to Malkangiri.

With a budget of Rs 3,178 crore, the state government would run at least 1,000 buses in rural regions as part of the program.

LAccMI bus services would be implemented in six tribally dominant and inaccessible districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Gajapati—in the first phase. The buses would run between block and district headquarters as well as between panchayats.

Additionally, these buses will go to Bonda Ghati in the Malkangiri area, which is home to the PVTG (particularly vulnerable tribal group).

In order to start the service, Patnaik bought the first ticket for Rs. 10, then boarded a bus for 2 kilometers from Malkangiri town to MV-03.

The chief minister noted that he had previously introduced welfare programs like the Malkangiri-based Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) and the Rs. 1 per kilogram rice program.

He added, “Malkangiri is very close to my heart and I want the people in this part of the state to not face difficulties in mobility,” adding that a lady in Malkangiri had suggested he introduce the Rs 10 lakh health insurance policy for women across the state.

The district’s transportation issues were brought to the chief minister’s attention by input from the CMO’s complaints meeting, he said. “Once the people get transportation facilities, the economic activities will increase in rural pockets, patients can easily reach hospitals, students to schools and colleges besides women being able to visit offices and markets,” added Patnaik.

During his tour, the chief minister laid the cornerstone for 96 more projects totaling Rs. 601.22 crore and unveiled 18 distinct welfare initiatives worth Rs. 192 core. “I hope these projects will come up with cooperation of all the people,” added Patnaik.