- The state government of Odisha has launched the Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) to connect Gram Panchayat to Block and Block to District Headquarters.
- The initiative holds the promise of enhancing accessibility for 62,291 educational institutions, while potentially creating 37,652 direct and indirect employment prospects.
- Under the LAccMI scheme, the state government will operate 1,623 buses in rural areas with an allocated budget of Rs 3,178 crore.
- The initiative also will see active involvement of women’s Self-Help Groups linked with Mission Shakti.
- It will also promote women’s empowerment and community welfare.
The state government of Odisha as part of its vision to improve connectivity has launched the Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) to connect Gram Panchayat to Block and Block to District Headquarters.
Under the LAccMI scheme, the state government will operate 1,623 buses in rural areas with an allocated budget of Rs 3,178 crore. The initiative aims to significantly improve rural travel, ensuring that communities have affordable access to essential services and opportunities. The initiative holds the promise of enhancing accessibility for 62,291 educational institutions, while potentially creating 37,652 direct and indirect employment prospects. Projections foresee a substantial revenue generation of Rs 45 billion within the next 5 years.
Notably, this undertaking is poised to make significant contributions towards advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas of economic development, industrial innovation, infrastructure enhancement, sustainable urban community development, and the promotion of responsible consumption and production practices. Additionally, it holds the key to unlocking Odisha’s untapped potential for rural tourism, linking breathtaking sites like Bonda Hills and Mahendragiri.
The initiative also will see active involvement of women’s Self-Help Groups linked with Mission Shakti. These groups will not only act as conductors on the buses, collecting fares and maintaining cleanliness but will also promote women’s empowerment and community welfare.
Diptesh Kumar Pattnayak, IPS, Chairman and MD, OSRTC, says, “OSRTC, with Palladium as PMU, is immensely proud to have collaborated with the Government of Odisha in bringing the LAccMI initiative to life. This scheme underscores the Odisha Government’s unwavering commitment to serving the people of Odisha and fostering inclusive development. As we look ahead, our shared vision is to further expand and make this scheme a huge success, reaching even more communities and delivering enhanced accessibility to all corners of our vibrant state.”
Amit Patjoshi, CEO, of Palladium India said, “By bridging the connectivity gap, LAccMI will break down the barriers that have kept rural people isolated and marginalized for generations. Accessible transportation for rural communities is not just about connecting people; it’s about unlocking opportunities.”
Malkangiri has been chosen to commence the project as two previous welfare projects – ₹1 per 1 kg rice and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna – launched from the district had turned out to be hugely successful, helping to increase Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s acceptance among people by several notches.
Mission Shakti Self Help Group (SHGs) will be engaged in various operation and maintenance-related activities within the blocks in the first phase of LAccMI bus services, which will be implemented in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.
