The Odisha government on 16 September 2023, has approved a new public transport network programme which would establish connectivity between gram panchayats (GP) and capital city.
The Scheme named ‘Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative’ (LAccMI)’ has been approved by the state cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. This will establish a seamless public transport network across the state from the GP level to the State Capital.
The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 3,178 crore will be implemented in a phased manner. The first three years of bus operation will be commenced from 2023-24 to 2025-26. Around 1,000 buses would be deployed under the scheme. The tenure of the scheme would be 10 years which can be extended by 2 years.
The framework of the LAccMI scheme would be based on women empowerment on top priority. The members from Mission Shakti Self Help Group (SHGs) will be engaged in various operation and maintenance-related activities within the blocks.
The scheme will also facilitate efficient transportation of agricultural commodities from production sites to destinations within the blocks, marketplaces, mandis and such commercial hubs.