Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards standardizing bus infrastructure across the state, the Commerce and Transport (C&T) Department has initiated the process to take over all bus stands currently under Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, NBS Rajput, has written to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department, requesting necessary instructions to ULBs for handing over all bus stands under their jurisdiction to the Commerce and Transport Department.
The move follows the state Cabinet’s approval in its 38th meeting held on April 10, 2026, for the new “Atal Bus Stand” Scheme. The scheme aims at the comprehensive construction, renovation, development, operation, maintenance, and management of bus stands across the state under a unified framework.
According to the letter, all existing bus stands developed under previous schemes as well as those managed by Urban Local Bodies will be integrated into the “Atal Bus Stand” Scheme. This centralization is intended to ensure uniform standards in development, operations, and maintenance.
A copy of Notification No. 1479 dated April 20, 2026, has been enclosed with the communication. The C&T Department has also informed that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the handover process will be issued separately.
The decision is expected to bring better coordination, improved facilities for passengers, and professional management of bus terminals under one umbrella. Once implemented, the “Atal Bus Stand” Scheme will cover both new constructions and the upgradation of existing infrastructure throughout the state.
