The Odisha government officially launched the LAccMI Yojana 2023 on October 12, 2023, aimed at improving transportation in rural areas. According to the Commerce and Transport Department, this pioneering initiative, known as the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI), has been introduced to enhance rural transport. In this article, we are going to deep dive into the scheme where we will understand everything about the scheme. I am certain that by the end of the article, you will not have any doubt left regarding the scheme.
What is Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023?
The state of Odisha has witnessed the launch of a groundbreaking initiative called the Location-Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI). This novel strategy is designed to provide affordable and secure transportation options for all residents of the state. Under this scheme, more than 1,000 buses will operate throughout the State, and on this day, 36 buses commenced their operations in Malkangiri. The facility is now available in 111 panchayats within the district.
In the initial phase, the LAccMI scheme will be implemented in Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri. It will facilitate students’ access to schools and colleges, connect farmers to markets, provide transportation to hospitals for patients, and make it easier for women to reach their workplaces.
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Launch Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Official Website | Not Yet Launched |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Objective | To provide affordable and secure transportation options for all residents of the state. |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Budget | Rs. 3178 crore for 2023-2024 to 2025-2026. |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Duration | 10 Years |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Total Panhcyat in District | 111 |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Total Buses Operative | 1000 |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Operatvie Places | Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri. |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Nodal Agency | Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) |
| Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Helpline Number | Not Yet announced |
Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Objective
The LAccMI Scheme’s objectives include the following:
1. LAccMI was introduced as part of the 20 new initiatives unveiled by the state government in the 2023-24 budget, with a total investment of Rs 7,202 crore.
2. A budget of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the project.
3. The Commerce and Transport Department has outlined that the initial strategic focus of the program will be on enhancing transportation within blocks and districts, with a future aim to integrate these efforts into inter-city bus operations. The scheme is intended to remain effective for a minimum of ten years.
Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 in News | What’s New?
Update on October 12, 2023:
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Location Accessible Multi-Modal Initiative (LAccMI) Yojana in Malkangiri district on Thursday, aiming to provide reliable and affordable transportation to the local residents.
Chief Minister Patnaik himself purchased a bus ticket for Rs. 10 and traveled from Malkangiri to MV-3, underscoring the significance of Malkangiri in the development of Odisha.
The LAccMI Yojana was conceived after the Chief Minister’s office learned about the communication challenges faced by the people of the district during a district tour.
The Chief Minister stated that the scheme would revolutionize the transportation system, boost the local economy, and bring prosperity to every village.
Under this scheme, more than 1,000 buses will operate throughout the State, and on this day, 36 buses commenced their operations in Malkangiri. The facility is now available in 111 panchayats within the district.
In the initial phase, the LAccMI scheme will be implemented in Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri.
Emphasizing that communication is the foundation of development, Shri Patnaik stated that the LAccMI scheme will connect everyone to the path of development. It will facilitate students’ access to schools and colleges, connect farmers to markets, provide transportation to hospitals for patients, and make it easier for women to reach their workplaces.
ALSO READ: Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha Scheme 2023 Launched to Transform Odisha
Update as of September 17th:
The Odisha Chief Minister has granted approval for the LAccMI Scheme, a groundbreaking plan for public transportation.
The “Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative” (LAccMI) scheme, which aims to enhance sustainable and affordable transportation, was officially endorsed by the Odisha Cabinet on September 16, 2023. The Odisha state government has set forth a vision to provide reliable and reasonably priced public transit services across the entire state, with a particular emphasis on rural areas, given the limited success of public transport in the region.
According to the State Commerce and Transport Department, the program is designed to establish a continuous public transportation network spanning from the Gram Panchayat level up to the State Capital, ensuring dependable and cost-effective services.
Under the LAccMI Scheme, Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (SHGs) will play a significant role in various operational and maintenance activities within the Blocks. Over the initial three years of the bus service, from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026, the project is estimated to incur an expenditure of approximately Rs. 3178 crore. The scheme’s scope encompasses connecting all Gram Panchayats, Block and District Headquarters, major cities, and economic hubs through its bus operations.
The LAccMI Scheme will be rolled out in a phased manner and envisions deploying around 1000 buses. The scheme is designed to have a 10-year term, extendable by an additional 2-year period. Any further allocations will be considered based on performance reviews.
Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Connectivity Route
The bus network planning scheme has adopted a hierarchical approach, featuring two key services: the ‘Jagannath Express,’ which links District Headquarters to Bhubaneswar or Puri via Bhubaneswar, and the ‘LAccMI’ Express, which facilitates connectivity between District HQs and major cities. This network will establish connections between Gram Panchayats, Block Headquarters, District Headquarters, major cities, and economic centers throughout the state. The implementation of this plan will be carried out in multiple phases.
Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Features
Here are the key features of the LAccMI Scheme:
1. Initially, the scheme will focus on improving connectivity at the block and district levels.
2. A Mo Bus service will be introduced in every panchayat.
3. The Mo Buses will operate between panchayats and blocks, with the eventual goal of integrating with intercity bus services.
4. The scheme’s initial phase will be implemented in the Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri districts.
5. The first phase of operations is set to commence on October 2 in rural areas with limited or no access to public transportation. By January 2024, the services will be extended to all regions.
6. The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) is responsible for creating comprehensive project reports for the connectivity architecture of each gram panchayat and exploring various collaboration opportunities. The transportation industry has been given a one-month deadline to complete the project reports, and additional procurement processes can begin once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is finalized.
Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Benefits
Here are the benefits of the LAccMI Scheme:
1. While private bus companies currently dominate public transportation in rural areas of the state, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operates 500 buses on 317 routes, primarily connecting municipalities serving as district headquarters. In light of the dynamic nature of the scheme, OSRTC has been encouraged to enhance its capacity for effective implementation and monitoring.
2. The initial phase of the operation is scheduled to commence on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, particularly in remote areas with limited or no public transportation access. The plan is set to gradually expand to cover all regions by January 2024.
3. The Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana, established by the Odisha state government in 2014 to provide transportation services to rural residents, will be seamlessly integrated into LAccMI. This integration will focus on rural areas and offer convenient last-mile connectivity.
4. To ensure the swift transfer of road accident victims in need of trauma care within the critical “golden hour,” there is an agreement to expand the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for trauma patient transportation.
Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 Conclusion
The Odisha LAccMI Yojana 2023 is a remarkable scheme launched to ease transportation within the state. The Odisha government’s Rs 3,178 crore LAccMI public transport program, intended to connect gram panchayats with the state capital, However, it has not gone well with the private transport owners. It has led to opposition from private bus operators. They initially planned a protest but postponed it to October 31 after government assurances to address their concerns. The scheme will run 1,600 buses, with discussions ongoing about the role of private operators in the program.
