Odisha LAccMI Scheme 2024: Online Apply, Eligibility, Benefits

On July 4th, the Odisha government launched a new initiative aimed at improving transportation in rural areas. The scheme, known as the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI), was introduced by the state's Commerce and Transport department to enhance seamless connectivity in rural regions.

Odisha LAccMI Scheme 2024

The Odisha government has launched an innovative initiative called the Location-Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) in 2024. This new scheme aims to provide affordable and safe transportation options, ensuring that all residents of the state can travel with ease and accessibility.

13th Oct Update: Odisha CM Patnaik launched LAccMI Scheme

On Thursday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched an affordable bus service under the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme in Malkangiri. This launch was part of a larger initiative that saw the unveiling of development projects worth Rs 793 crore in the tribal-dominated Malkangiri district. The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to advancing the development of the state's most remote areas. During his one-day visit to Malkangiri, Patnaik inaugurated 36 buses as part of a plan to connect all 111 gram panchayats in the district with the district headquarters and the state capital.

With a substantial budget of Rs 3,178 crore allocated for this initiative, the state government aims to operate at least 1,000 buses in rural areas. The Luxmi bus services will be introduced in six tribal-dominated and remote districts: Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Gajapati, during the first phase. These buses will provide transportation between block and district headquarters and also connect various panchayats. Notably, the buses will also serve Bonda Ghati in Malkangiri, a region inhabited by the particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG). To mark the commencement of the service, Chief Minister Patnaik purchased the first bus ticket for Rs. 10 and took a 2-kilometer ride from Malkangiri town to MV-03.

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Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative Scheme Details in Highlights

Objectives of Odisha Luxmi Scheme 2024

Here are the objectives of the Odisha Luxmi Scheme 2024:

• LAccMI Program Announcement: LAccMI was one of the 20 new programs introduced by the state government in the 2023–24 budget, with a total investment of Rs 7,202 crore.
• Financial Allocation: An allocation of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the successful implementation of the scheme.
• Strategic Focus: The Commerce and Transport Department has emphasized that the initial phase of the program will focus on improving intra-block and intra-district connections. In the future, the program will aim to integrate these local efforts with inter-city bus services.
• Long-term Impact: The scheme is designed to be effective for at least ten years, ensuring sustainable improvements in rural transportation across Odisha.

Features of LAccMI Scheme Odisha 2024

Here are the key features of the LAccMI Scheme Odisha 2024:

• Focus on Block and District Connectivity: The scheme will initially prioritize improving transportation connections at the block and district levels.
• Mo Bus Service in Panchayats: A Mo Bus service will be introduced in each panchayat, ensuring easier local mobility for residents.
• Integration with Intercity Services: The Mo Buses will first operate between panchayats and blocks, and the plan includes eventual integration with intercity bus services.
• Initial Phase Implementation: The scheme will be rolled out in the Koraput, Gajapati, and Kalahandi districts during the first phase.
• Service Launch in Rural Areas: The first phase of operations will commence on October 2, focusing on rural areas with limited or no access to public transportation. By January 2024, the service will be expanded to all regions.
• Project Report Responsibility: The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) is tasked with creating a comprehensive project report (DPR) for the connectivity architecture of each gram panchayat. The transportation department has been given a month to complete this report, after which procurement processes will begin.

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Benefits of Odisha LAccMI Scheme 2024

Here are the benefits of the Odisha LAccMI Scheme 2024:

• Enhanced Rural Transportation: While most public transportation in rural Odisha is operated by private bus companies, OSRTC runs 500 buses on 317 routes, primarily connecting district headquarters. The LAccMI scheme will enhance the effectiveness of these services and provide better connectivity.
• Capacity Building of OSRTC: OSRTC has been urged to strengthen its capacity for the effective implementation and monitoring of the LAccMI scheme. The plan will be executed in two phases to ensure a dynamic and comprehensive rollout.
• Improved Accessibility in Remote Areas: The initial phase, starting on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), will target areas with poor or no public transportation. By January 2024, the service will be expanded to all regions, ensuring wider access across rural areas.
• Integration with Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana: The state’s existing Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana, which was established in 2014 to serve rural communities, will be integrated into the LAccMI scheme for smoother operations, particularly for providing last-mile connectivity.
• Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS): The scheme also includes the expansion of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) to ensure the quick transportation of road accident victims within the "golden hour," enabling trauma patients to receive timely medical care.

Summary of Odisha LAccMI Scheme 2024

The Odisha LAccMI Scheme 2024 aims to enhance rural transportation by providing affordable and accessible bus services. Launched in August 2023, it focuses on improving intra-block and intra-district connectivity, with plans to integrate intercity services. The scheme targets remote districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, and Gajapati, and is backed by a Rs 7,202 crore budget. The first phase of operations began on October 2, 2023, with further expansion by January 2024.