Odisha plans to deploy women SHG members as bus conductors under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva

The Odisha government is mulling the engagement of women Self-Help Group (SHG) members as conductors, or bus guides, under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS), a move aimed at expanding women-led livelihoods while strengthening service delivery in public transport.

The proposal was discussed at a state-level steering committee meeting of the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva, chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, on Saturday.

In a post on X, Padhee stated that the meeting examined how women associated with Mission Shakti and SHGs could be integrated into frontline transport operations, particularly as conductors, to improve passenger interface and operational effectiveness.

According to her, the initiative is being explored as part of a broader effort to make public transport systems more inclusive, reliable and responsive, while creating sustainable employment opportunities for women at the grassroots level.

Route Rationalisation, Student Tickets

The steering committee also reviewed route planning under MBS, with emphasis on reorganising services based on district-level feedback. The aim is to improve connectivity to essential public institutions such as schools, hospitals and other key service centres.

The meeting also took stock of the overall performance of Mukhyamantri Bus Seva and its future roadmap. Key issues reviewed included ticket fare revisions and passenger concessions, with an emphasis on maintaining a balance between affordability for commuters and the financial sustainability of operations.

The continuation of free bus travel for students was also discussed as part of the state’s broader commitment to accessible education and mobility.

Notably, no formal timeline has yet been announced for the rollout of the women conductor initiative under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.

ALSO READ: Odisha warns of strict action against traffic rule violators during National Road Safety Month in January 2026

Related Development On Transport Enforcement

Separately, the state government is considering stricter enforcement of pollution norms, including a proposal under which fuel stations across Odisha may stop supplying petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

Officials acknowledged that earlier directives to fuel stations, including restrictions on fuel supply to riders without helmets and dispensing fuel in plastic containers, had seen uneven enforcement, prompting a review of compliance mechanisms.