Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda is set to inaugurate the Ayushman Bharat scheme at Bali Yatra ground in Cuttack today. The launch event marks a significant step in expanding healthcare coverage in Odisha.
In light of the high-profile event, the Commissionerate Police has enforced traffic restrictions across key areas of the city from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM to ensure smooth operations and public safety. Violations of these restrictions may result in penalties up to ₹1,000. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire services, and police will be exempted.
Key Traffic Diversions:
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Vehicles from Sikharpur Chhak will be diverted at Jobra Chhak and not allowed towards Matamatha Chhak via Ring Road.
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Those from Chahata Chhak won’t be allowed to move towards Jobra Chhak and must reroute via Cantonment Chhak to Madhukunj Park.
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No entry from Biju Patnaik Chhak to Old Cantonment via Dayashram-Ring Road.
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Girnar Hotel Chhak to Mahanadi route closed; alternate route via OPA Chhak.
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From Chandi Chhak, vehicles will be diverted at PHD office.
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Heavy vehicles from Sikharpur, Kalia Boda, Trisulia, and Nuapatna will face entry restrictions and need to follow designated alternative routes.
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No movement from DPO Gada to Belview Chhak between 4 PM and 6 PM.
About the Scheme:
The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will now operate in convergence with Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY). Under the integrated model:
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Families will receive ₹5 lakh health coverage per annum, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members.
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The scheme aims to cover 1.03 crore families, with 67.8 lakh supported by the Centre.
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Beneficiaries can access cashless treatment in over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India, a significant jump from the previous 900 hospitals in Odisha alone.
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Nearly 4.5 crore people in the state will benefit through a single unified card.
The move signals a major boost to Odisha’s healthcare infrastructure and aims to ensure affordable and accessible medical services for all.
