Brahmapur: Commuting across Odisha’s Ganjam district is set to become greener, smoother and more convenient with the launch of 25 electric buses on eight key routes, connecting major towns, tourist destinations, religious shrines and important institutions.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena inaugurated the eco-friendly bus services at Chatrapur on Saturday. While 23 buses will operate in the first phase, two more will be inducted subsequently.
The services will connect Chatrapur with Maa Shyamalai Temple at Hinjili (five buses), Rambha (four) and Duduma Colony in Brahmapur (four). Gopalpur will be connected through two separate routes with four buses, while Sonapur beach, Maa Taratarini Temple and SUM Hospital at Regidi will have two buses each.
The routes will cover important locations such as Sundarpur, Tanganapalli, Taratarini Chhak, Chamakhandi, Mandiapalli, Gopalpur Junction, Brahmapur Railway Station, Randa and NIST University.
Describing the initiative as a major step towards modern and environment-friendly public transport, Minister Jena said students, working professionals, traders, women, senior citizens and ordinary commuters would benefit from safe, affordable, punctual and comfortable travel.
He expressed confidence that improved connectivity to Gopalpur and Sonapur beaches, Maa Shyamalai Temple and Maa Taratarini shrine would boost tourism, local trade and economic activities, besides facilitating access to education and healthcare.
Khallikote MLA and District Planning Board Chairman Purnachandra Sethi, Chatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, Chhatrapur Municipality Chairperson G. Papa Rao, senior social worker Saroj Sabat, Ganjam RTO Debashis Swain and Municipality Executive Officer Prasanna Kumar Dash attended the programme.
Chhatrapur CRUT Manager Shiva Prasad Rao and Brahmapur CRUT Manager Akshaya Behera coordinated the event.
