Bhubaneswar: Aiming at establishing a seamless public transport network, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched the Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) bus service in five more districts through video conferencing.
He flagged off the affordable bus service in Subarnapur, Cuttack, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal and Sambalpur districts.
Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that “LAccMI bus service will help people residing in the rural pockets do their daily household chores conveniently and at low cost. This bus service will ease our journey of life and bring prosperity to our homes.”
“I respect common people. All the government programmes are based on the opinion of people. LAccMI bus service is one of those schemes based on the opinion of common people. We felt the inconvenience faced by rural people following the visit of 5T Chairman and officers of Chief Minister Office (CMO). That’s why we came up with LAccMI bus scheme to sort out communication problems at villages”, maintained the CM.
With launch of LAccMI bus service at Subarnapur, Cuttack, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal and Sambalpur districts, a total of 205 buses in 700 panchayats of five districts are plying. So far, 44 lakh people have been benefited by the scheme.
As many as 5.73 lakh people residing in 102 panchayats of Subanranpur have been benefitted after 58 buses started plying there. Also, 18.37 lakh people of 261 panchayats in Cuttack have been benefited with the running of 48 buses there.
Similarly, 5.62lakh people of 76 panchayats in Jharsuguda have been benefitted after the plying of 16 buses. In Kandhamal, 7.3lakh residents of 164 panchayats have been benefitted following the plying of 52 buses there. With the plying of 31 buses,7.28 lakh people in Sambalpur have been benefited from the bus service.
Through this scheme, a seamless public transport network from the Gram Panchayat (GP) level to blocks has been facilitated. Under the scheme, more than 1000 buses will roll out. Moreover, women working with Mission Shakti will look after management part of the scheme.
Besides, the Chief Minister said “LAccMI bus service will play an important role in strengthening the economy of the village. Our aim is to make every panchayat as a hub of development. Also, our aim also is to strengthen the economy of the villages. LAccMI Bus service will play an important role in it.”
Talking about the recently launched Sri Jagannath Express Bus Service scheme, the Chief Minister said “Sri Jagannath Express bus service has been introduced for the darshan of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath and to experience the Srimandir Corridor Project. The government will give 50 per cent concession in ticket fares to women.”
With Nabin Odisha programme transforming villages across the state, the Chief Minister wished everyone’s cooperation to build a new Odisha.
Highlighting the features of LAccMi bus service, Patnaik said “The bus service will connect people to people. It will strengthen social and economic life. It will take children to schools and colleges. It will connect farmers to markets. Mothers and students can travel in this bus for only 5 rupees.”
Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu, who was present in Sambalpur during the event, said “LAccMI bus is not just a bus service, but one of the most successful efforts of the Chief Minister towards empowering and enriching rural women. Chief Minister has created opportunities for women to realize their potential through various schemes.”
Health and Family Welfare Minister Niranjan Pujari, MLA Padmanava Behara, Cuttack MLA Debi Prasad Mishra, MLA Chandra Sarathi Behera, Jharsuguda MLA Dipali Das, MLA Alka Mohanty, Kandhamal MP Achyuta Samanta and MLA Chakramani Kanhar graced the inaugural ceremony.
They are of the opinion that Odisha has witnessed transformation not only in transport, but also in health, education and infrastructure. 5T has worked like magic in the transformation of Odisha. LAccMI bus service has played an important role in building a strong and new Odisha. And this will lead to social, cultural and economic development in rural areas.
Coordinating the programme, Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha V K Pandian said “Hard work and sacrifice is required to secure number one position. Our Chief Minister is the perfect example. Our Chief Minister has been the number one Chief Minister of the country for the last 24 years owing to his hard work and sacrifice.”
Also, addressing the people of Sambalpur district, Pandian said that Sri Jagannath Express, which runs from Sambalpur to Puri twice a week, will run every day from February 25.
Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce and Transport Usha Padhi delivered the welcome address.
Notably, the LAccMI bus service was first inaugurated in the Malkangiri district.
