Affordable Travel for All: Odisha Launches Mukhyamantri Bus Seva with Half-Price Tickets

The Odisha Cabinet has officially approved the launch of Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) — a major rural transport initiative aimed at improving public connectivity across the state. Announced on Wednesday, this new scheme will replace the earlier LAccMI scheme and will focus on delivering safer, more affordable, and accessible bus services to people in both rural and urban areas.

Key Objectives of the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva

The MBS scheme is designed to:

• Strengthen rural connectivity by linking villages to key towns and cities.
• Provide reliable and affordable public transport.
• Improve accessibility to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets.

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This will be done by revamping the current transport infrastructure, cutting operational inefficiencies, and using modern technology for better service delivery.

Major Highlights of the Scheme

1. Wider Connectivity
   The MBS will connect rural areas to important business hubs, schools, colleges, hospitals, and even destinations outside Odisha.
2. Discounted Fares for Priority Groups
   Passengers belonging to the following categories will receive a 50% concession on ticket fares (for both AC and non-AC buses):
   • Women
   • Transgender persons
   • Students
   • Persons with disabilities
   • Senior citizens
     This discount can be availed through NCMC (National Common Mobility Card).
3. Modern Safety Features
   The scheme will give special emphasis to the safety of women and children by installing:
   • CCTV cameras
   • Live vehicle tracking (LVT)
   • Passenger Information Systems (PIS)
   • Panic buttons inside buses
4. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
   All MBS buses will be equipped with modern road safety technologies to reduce accidents and improve driving quality.
5. Employment & Economic Boost
   The government expects the scheme to create local job opportunities and promote small-scale businesses by streamlining transportation.
6. Governance & Transparency
   The service will be monitored and managed by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to ensure better oversight and efficiency.

Scheme Duration and Future Plans

• The Mukhyamantri Bus Seva is approved to run until 2032–33.
• The government will periodically review its effectiveness and decide on any further extensions or upgrades.

What’s Changing from the LAccMI Scheme?

The MBS is essentially a restructured version of the LAccMI (Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative) launched by the previous government. While LAccMI had a similar intent, the new version promises:

• More transparency
• Better monitoring
• Advanced technology integration
• Wider reach and better service delivery

With the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva, the Odisha government aims to create a more inclusive, safe, and efficient public transport system that serves every section of society, especially those in remote and underserved regions. This move also reflects the state’s broader goal to build a digitally enabled and socially equitable mobility ecosystem.

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