Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched Jagannath Express bus service under Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) of Odisha government.
The bus service aims at facilitating transportation of the people from all districts to Puri to have darshan in Jagannath temple. The AC Super Deluxe bus service is part of the government’s plan to mobilise around 10,000 people daily for a month to visit Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa – a Rs 800-crore heritage corridor around Puri’s renowned Jagannath Temple – which was inaugurated on January 17.
In the first phase, the buses will run from 12 district headquarters of Balangir, Bargarh, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Kalahandi, Malkangir, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur and Sundargarh. Later, it will be extended to all 30 districts with 80 super premium buses. These buses will have stoppage at Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said in order to facilitate the women to visit Puri, they will be charged bus fare with 50% discount.
Stating that Srimandir Parikrama has been opened with all necessary facilities for the devotees, he said the bus service will be an added service for them. “The government is taking steps for protection and promotion of Jagannath culture in every village. The Jagannath bus service is a step in this regard,” he added.
Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu also spoke on the occasion. MLA Bhupinder Singh, development commissioner Anu Garg and principal secretary, Commerce and Transport, Usha Padhee were present. 5T chairman VJ Pandian coordinated the programme.
