Bhubaneswar, 20 December (H.S.) : A State-Level Steering Committee meeting on Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) was held on Saturday at Kharavel Bhawan under the chairpersonship of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, to review ongoing reforms and chart the next phase of strengthening the State’s flagship public transport programme.

The meeting assessed policy and operational measures aimed at improving efficiency, affordability and last-mile connectivity across urban and rural Odisha. Key deliberations included greater engagement of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under MBS, with SHG conductors playing a growing role in service delivery and women-led livelihoods.

The Committee reviewed ticket fare revisions and passenger concessions to balance affordability with financial sustainability, and reaffirmed the continuation of free bus travel for students to ensure equitable access to education. Discussions also focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms for better coordination, monitoring and accountability.

Route rationalisation to optimise coverage and reduce overlaps, along with revision of GCC rates for PPP operators to ensure operational viability while safeguarding public interest, were also examined.

Chairing the meeting, Smt. Padhee emphasised reorganising bus routes based on district-level inputs to improve connectivity to key public institutions such as schools and hospitals. She reiterated the importance of deeper involvement of Mission Shakti and Women SHGs, underscoring MBS as a cornerstone of Odisha’s vision for inclusive, safe and sustainable public transport.

The meeting was attended by Shri Soumendra Priyadarshi, ADG, OPH & WC; Shri Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner; Shri N.B.S. Rajput, CMD, OSRTC; Shri Girish S.N., Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Mission Shakti Department; Shri Sanjay Biswal, GM, OSRTC; and other senior officials.

The deliberations concluded with directions to expedite identified reforms and ensure coordinated implementation at State and field levels to further enhance the reach and impact of Mukhyamantri Bus Seva across Odisha.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda