Rayagada: The state launched Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) bus service has come as a huge boon in this tribal-dominated district. The service has enabled commuting to remote corners of the district at affordable prices, passengers said here Tuesday. The Odisha government has recently launched LAccMI services in many districts of the state. Rayagada is one of the districts to benefit from the scheme. Students, farmers, traders, and people of other professions are now utilising the facilities the service offers.
The lack of transport facilities now appears like a distant dream. Students Shankar Panda and Manisha said that earlier they had to spend Rs 75-100 daily to travel and return from their respective educational institutions. Now after the launch of the LAccMI service, they have to spend at most Rs 10 daily. Teacher Sahadev Bachheli said that earlier he had to spend a sizeable amount as he had to either go by an auto-rickshaw or his two-wheeler to his place of work (school) at Pipalguda under Kolnara block from his residence. Now he can do the needful for just Rs 30. Farmers and small traders are all praise for the bus service.
Earlier they had to spend a fortune on tempos or autos to bring their produce to this town. “We had to shell out close to Rs 500 whenever we had to transport vegetables from our villages to this town,” informed Shibaraj Mandangi, a farmer. “It was eating into our profits. Now, without any additional payment, we can bring the produce to Rayagada. The bus service has proved to be beneficial for us,” he added. Officials said that the Odisha government has introduced 41 buses for this district.
Currently, 39 are plying on different routes. Two have been kept on standby in case any of the buses develop a snag or need maintenance. They added that 298 bus stops with proper sheds are being constructed in 11 blocks of this district. Manager of LAccMI scheme in this district, Soumya Ranjan Mishra informed that the construction of the designated bus stops will be completed soon. He added that the earnings through the service vary between Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 on weekdays and Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 Sundays.
The LAccMI service has also changed the livelihood of many people in the district. As part of the women empowerment programme, Pinki Kandagiri has been appointed as a conductor. She failed to pursue education after Plus-II due to financial constraints. Now she earns a good amount to support her family and the financial crisis has disappeared.
