Odisha CM Launches LAccMI Bus Service in Bargarh, Balangir, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar

Bhubaneswar: The Location Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) bus service scheme of the Odisha government was launched in five more districts in the state namely – Bargarh, Balangir, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh and Keonjhar, on Monday. This affordable public transport scheme is already operational in Malkangiri, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Nawarangpur Koraput, Anugul, Dhekanal & Deogarh districts.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik presided over the virtual inauguration ceremonies of LAccMI bus services in these five districts.

A Total of 425 buses will be operational in these 5 districts under the LAccMI scheme to cover 1457 GPs connecting over 90 lakh citizens. This project promotes gender inclusiveness and women empowerment through the involvement of Women SHG groups. The LAccMI scheme will also boost tourism and logistics in these districts by generating local employment.

LAccMI marks its initiation in Bargarh district to benefit from this transformative program. The network aims to enhance connectivity across 243 Gram panchayats and 11 Blocks, operationalizing a fleet of 57 no. non-AC Buses as Block Connectivity and 11 no. AC Buses as District Connectivity services benefiting more than 14 lakh citizens.

In addition to this, today Balangir District also joins the districts benefitting from the LAccMI program.

The launch in Balangir focuses on improving communication between 11 blocks and 317 Gram panchayats. The fleet, comprising 42 nos. Non-AC Buses as Block Connectivity and 13 no. AC Buses as District Connectivity services is set to significantly increase local access to transit with a total outreach to almost 16 lakh citizens.

Further, the Mayurbhanj District which has been one of the major centers of tourism in Odisha, which is home to the 7th Largest National Park in India has also witnessed the official commencement of LAccMI operations. In the District LAccMI network aims to provide connectivity among 386 Gram panchayats& 26 blocks through 104 no. non-AC as Block Connectivity and 26 nos. AC buses as District Connectivity, designed to improve transportation accessibility for locals, covering nearly 24 lakh citizens.

Adding to the list, Sundargarh & Keonjhar have also witnessed the historic launch of LAccMI buses. The network aims to enhance connectivity across 240 Gram panchayats and 17 Blocks, operationalizing a fleet of 65 no. non-AC Buses as Block Connectivity and 16 no. AC Buses as District Connectivity in Sundargarh & 271 Gram panchayats and 13 Blocks, operationalizing a fleet of 78 no. non-AC Buses as Block Connectivity and 13 no. AC Buses as District Connectivity in Keonjhar respectively with the services benefiting more than 35 lakh citizens in both the districts.

In these five districts, LAccMI has embraced a model of community involvement and women’s empowerment. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will oversee routes in designated blocks.

While LAccMI has been operational in 14 districts as of date, we would ensure the remaining districts would also be facilitated with LAccMI services soon. This is an exemplary initiative by our Govt. and will enrich our people’s livelihood, Said Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Transport, Smt Tukuni Sahu.