Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards enhancing public transport infrastructure, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) launched 13 bus services in nine new routes today.
The new buses were flagged off by Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, through a virtual conference from Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Ganda, Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, MP Nabarangpur, MLAs from Kotpad, Khandapada, and Nabarangpur .
Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Commerce & Transport, welcomed the guests and outlined the vision behind this initiative. The new bus services are aimed at improving regional connectivity and providing affordable and comfortable travel options to the people of Odisha. Among others Amitav Thakur, Commissioner of Transport, Diptesh Pattanaik, CMD, OSRTC and other departmental Officers were present.
The newly launched services will connect the following routes:
Siddha Bhairavi, Ganiya (Kantilo), Kotpad, Joranda, and Paralakhemundi with Puri
Indravati and Berhampur with Bhubaneswar
Kundura with Cuttack
Berhampur with Rourkela
The initiative is a step forward in addressing the transportation needs of the people, especially those in the hinterlands, and reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development.
The new services are expected to provide safe, affordable, and efficient transportation options, further strengthening Odisha’s public transport network and promoting connectivity across the state.