The State-Level Steering Committee met at Kharavel Bhawan to review reforms under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS), Odisha’s flagship public transport programme.
Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, chaired the meeting and directed officials to strengthen service efficiency, affordability, and last-mile connectivity across the state.
During the discussions, officials introduced policy and operational interventions to improve public transport delivery. Moreover, they highlighted the engagement of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as conductors, which enhances service delivery and promotes women-led livelihoods. The committee also revised ticket fares, examined passenger concessions, and continued free bus travel for students, thereby reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable access to education and mobility.
In addition, the meeting addressed the rationalisation of bus routes to optimise coverage, minimise overlaps, and improve operational efficiency. Members further discussed revising GCC rates for PPP operators to ensure financial viability while safeguarding public interest.
Smt. Usha Padhee emphasised reorganising routes based on district-level inputs to improve connectivity to schools, hospitals, and essential services. She also underscored the importance of Mission Shakti and SHGs in strengthening service delivery. Consequently, she reiterated that Mukhyamantri Bus Seva remains central to Odisha’s vision of accessible, safe, and sustainable public transport.
Senior officials, including 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), and Shri Sanjay Biswal (GM, OSRTC), actively participated in the meeting.
Finally, the deliberations concluded with clear directions to expedite reforms and ensure coordinated implementation at both state and field levels. As a result, the committee reinforced its commitment to strengthening the reach and impact of Mukhyamantri Bus Seva across Odisha.
