In a landmark move to enhance access to education, the Government of Odisha has rolled out the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme, offering free bus travel to school students across the state.
Announced on September 17, 2025, this initiative aims to remove transportation barriers, ensuring students can attend school without financial strain.
The decision was finalised during a high-level meeting on August 21, 2025, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department, formalised the directive in a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department. Under the scheme, students can travel for free on state-run buses operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) by presenting a valid student ID card or wearing their school uniform.
To maximise the scheme’s impact, the OSRTC has been instructed to revise bus routes and schedules to cover as many schools as possible. District Education Officers will provide updated data to facilitate this re-mapping. The Commerce & Transport Department will allocate budgetary provisions to offset any revenue loss incurred by OSRTC due to free student travel.
This initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students, particularly those in rural and remote areas, by making education more accessible. By reducing transportation costs, the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme underscores Odisha’s commitment to fostering inclusive education and empowering its youth.
As Odisha takes this bold step, students across the state are set to gain easier access to learning opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future.
