Bhubaneswar : The Location Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) was officially launched in Koraput District today. The inauguration ceremony was led by the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, marking a significant milestone in the development of the state’s public transport infrastructure. Koraput becomes the sixth district to benefit from the LAccMI scheme and signifies the completion of the LAccMI roll-out in cluster-1 districts. The LAccMI network aims to enhance connectivity among 240 Grampanchyats and 14 Blocks within the Koraput District. The LAccMI fleet in Koraput comprises 48 non-air-conditioned buses mainly operating between Grampanchyats and Blocks, alongside 15 air-conditioned buses serving extended routes from Blocks to the District Headquarters. These buses will cover a combined distance exceeding 12,195 kilometres daily, significantly improving transportation accessibility for residents. To ensure safe and efficient service, the operation will be supported by 67 drivers and 119 conductors, all of whom have received comprehensive training.
The LAccMI public transport system aims to benefit rural communities by improving access to markets, education, healthcare, and business hubs. It aims to connect urban and rural areas, offering affordable, accessible, and efficient mobility solutions to every citizen. This initiative is expected to make essential resources more available and aid in the economic growth of rural areas. Furthermore, LAccMI is expected to significantly enhance tourism in the Koraput district. By integrating popular tourist destinations such as Bagra Waterfall, Duduma Machhkund Waterfall, Deomali Mountain, Gupteswar Temple, Sabar Shreekhetra and other important places into the network, LAccMI will facilitate easier access for tourists, promoting regional tourism and potentially benefiting local communities.
In line with the government’s focus on community participation and women’s empowerment, the LAccMI scheme incorporates innovative strategies. In Bandhugaon Block, five buses on five routes will be managed by women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), replicating a successful model from previous districts. The inauguration event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Transport Minister Smt. Tukuni Sahu, Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Smt. Usha Padhee, and CMD of OSRTC Shri Diptesh Pattnyak.
The state government has committed to deploying over 1,700 buses across Odisha with a budget of Rs 3,178 crore over the next three years. This initiative aims to significantly bolster the public transportation network and further advance the state’s socio-economic development. Moreover, the LAccMI scheme will roll out in all other districts in the coming months, further extending these benefits to more areas and communities across Odisha.
