In a major step toward strengthening public transport and rural-urban connectivity in Western Odisha, transformative transport infrastructure projects worth over Rs 26 crore were officially launched in Jharsuguda district.
The state government inaugurated the state-of-the-art Belpahar Atal Bus Stand, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 17.77 crore (Rs 17,77,62,000), and laid the foundation stone for a new Atal Bus Terminal in Lakhanpur, to be built at a cost of Rs 9.40 crore (Rs 9,40,32,000). To further complement the new infrastructure, a fresh ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seva’ (MBS) route was flagged off, connecting Kirimira to Lakhanpur via Laikera and Jharsuguda.
The high-profile ceremony was inaugurated jointly by Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Minister for Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines, Suresh Pujari, Minister for Revenue & Disaster Management.
Other distinguished dignitaries attending the event included Bargarh Lok Sabha MP Pradeep Purohit, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Lakhanpur Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Huteswari Tihiria.
Senior administrative officials were also present, including Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan, OSRTC General Manager Sundar Madhab Padhi, Zilla Parishad CDO-cum-EO Biswaranjan Nayak, and Jharsuguda BJP District President Raghunandan Panda, alongside local public representatives and community members.
Key Highlights & Project Benefits
- Enhanced Inter-Block Travel: The modern terminals and new route will drastically improve daily transit between remote blocks and urban hubs.
- Socio-Economic Impact: Daily commuters, students, small business owners, and workers will benefit directly, sparking local commercial activity.
- Seamless Route Coverage: The new Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) service establishes a vital corridor across Kirimira, Laikera, Jharsuguda, and Lakhanpur.
Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Minister for Commerce & Transport:
Our government’s core goal is to deliver affordable, safe, and modern transport services to every corner of the state. The Belpahar Atal Bus Stand and the upcoming Lakhanpur terminal will redefine regional mobility, making daily commutes seamless for thousands.
Suresh Pujari, Minister for Revenue & Disaster Management:
Jharsuguda is an essential industrial and commercial hub. Strong connectivity infrastructure is vital for its holistic growth. The Atal Bus Stand is not merely a terminal—it is a robust bridge uniting rural and urban populations.
Pradeep Purohit, Member of Parliament (Bargarh):
The central and state governments are working in close synergy for Western Odisha’s development. Today’s launches fulfill a long-standing demand of the people of Lakhanpur and Belpahar.
Tankadhar Tripathy, MLA (Jharsuguda)
Ensuring civic convenience and development across Jharsuguda constituency is our topmost priority. This ₹26 crore boost is a massive gift to our citizens, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the state leadership.
