Bhubaneswar, Oct 19 : Odisha Cabinet which met here on Thursday under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik decided to launch a new scheme to ensure “Enhanced Public Transport infrastructure and facilities across the State”.
The scheme titled ‘Construction / Renovation and Maintenance of 55 Block Level Bus Stands and Maintenance of Athagarh, Balangir, Jeypore & Motu Bus Stands’.
The tenure of the Scheme would be for 4 years i.e., from 2022-23 to 2025-26 and the project cost is estimated to be approximately Rs.373.13 Crore. To date, 27 new Bus Stands have been completed and inaugurated by Chief Minister.
Developing Bus Stands in every Block of Odisha can boost the State’s connectivity, inclusive growth, social cohesiveness, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
The proposed Bus Stands would ensure people, especially those who live in rural/ semi-urban areas, have the means to receive superior Public Transport facilities & amenities, which shall boost the socio-economic well-being of the region.
Bus stands can serve as catalysts for local economic activities. boost tourism, create jobs, create opportunities for businesses such as shops, restaurants, and transportation-related services and stimulate economic growth across the State.
Having Bus Stands in every Block creates a network of infrastructure that can be used at the time of emergencies such as quick evacuation, emergency medical transport, distribution of relief supplies during catastrophes or medical crises.
It facilitates the movement of people and goods. There have been very few attempts to improve Public Transport infrastructure in the State. Hence, the proposal places a strong emphasis on design, construction & maintenance of modern, high-standard and eco-friendly Bus Stands in all Blocks of Odisha.
Under the Scheme, new Bus Stands shall be developed to deliver improved facilities and amenities for the public. The Scheme would ensure efficient & effective monitoring and monetization, enforcement and safeguard of our public assets.
As per the proposal, 55 Block-level Bus Stands shall be developed across 23 Districts. Additionally, 4 New Bus Stands previously developed at Athagarh, Balangir, Jeypore & Motu were funded by the State Government.
The District Administration would engage suitable and professional Facility Management Services (FMS) organizations and Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (SHGs) to maintain the amenities developed in all the Bus Stands, ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
