Though the outgoing BJD government initiated the Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme aimed at establishing a seamless public transport network from panchayats to the state capital, it has completely failed to serve its purpose. With many LAccMI buses worth crores gathering dust and getting damaged at various places across the State due to a lack of proper maintenance, questions have been raised over the continuity of the scheme.
Take the case of Nabarangpur. As many as 41 buses under LAccMI scheme were purchased for the district in 2023. In the second phase, eight more brand-new AC buses were bought under the scheme. However, those buses are yet to be used in the service. They have been lying defunct and gathering dust at Nabarangpur Reserve Police Ground for months. As many as 12 AC buses kept at Jepore's new bus terminal are also yet to be used. Similar is the case in Rayagada as nine buses are parked on the RMC office premises without being used.
Widespread resentment
Making things worse, those buses are gradually getting damaged due to a lack of functioning and maintenance. The situation has triggered widespread resentment among the residents of the concerned areas.
“Considering the election, the BJD government started LAccMI scheme. However, it failed to serve its purpose. Many buses have gone out of service under the scheme. Those vehicles are gathering dust and getting damaged at various places in Jeypore and other parts of the State,” said Rajendra Gouda, a resident of Jeypore.
“BJD must have started the scheme keeping elections in mind and now the buses are lying defunct. We don’t understand why public money is being wasted in this manner?” rued Sushant Panigrahi, a resident of Nabarangpur.
LAccMI scheme was initiated by the then BJD government before the 2024 General Elections. However, the purpose of the scheme was not served as only a few passengers were reportedly availing of the service. The BJD government also drew flak for spending crores in the scheme as many residents felt that the service had no utility.
Under such circumstances, questions are being raised over the future of the scheme. In response, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has assured that the service will continue but under a new scheme.
“The scheme will continue. Even more buses will run from Odisha to various tourist places across India under a new scheme of the Chief Minister,” said Jena.