Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to Connect Pilgrimage Destinations
The Odisha government is set to enhance its public transportation network by connecting the state with key pilgrimage sites across India. This initiative, spearheaded by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), aims to facilitate travel for devotees to prominent religious destinations.
First Phase: Connecting Major Pilgrimage Sites
In the initial phase, OSRTC will launch bus services to the following pilgrimage destinations:
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Mathura (Vrindavan), Uttar Pradesh
- Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena shared these plans with The New Indian Express, highlighting the focus on making transportation accessible to everyone in Odisha. The initiative also aims to boost OSRTC’s revenue and profitability, similar to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
Future Expansion Plans
- Additional Routes: Bus operations to other renowned religious sites will be introduced in subsequent phases.
- Statewide Connectivity: Ensuring bus services are available from every block headquarters to Puri during the Rath Yatra festival on July 7.
Addressing Inter-State Operations
- Challenges with Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh has been reluctant to permit private buses from Odisha, fearing competition with APSRTC. In response, OSRTC will increase its bus operations in Andhra Pradesh and other neighboring states.
- Current Fleet: OSRTC currently operates a fleet of at least 478 buses.
Sustainable Transport Initiatives
- Electric Buses: To foster a sustainable public transport system, the Odisha government plans to deploy more electric buses. These e-buses will be used for inter-state operations in areas equipped with EV charging infrastructure. The state expects to receive a significant number of vehicles under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.
Upcoming Resumptions
- Key Routes: OSRTC bus operations between Umerkote and Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Machkund, and Cuttack and Baliguda will soon resume.
Government’s Commitment
On a recent meeting, Minister Jena, along with Transport Secretary Usha Padhee, Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and OSRTC officials, discussed strategies to strengthen bus services across the state, ensuring better connectivity and enhanced transportation facilities for the public.
This expansion reflects the Odisha government’s commitment to improving public transportation and making pilgrimage travel more accessible and convenient for its residents.
Source : msn
