Bhubaneswar, Dec 20: A State-Level Steering Committee meeting on Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) was held on Friday at Kharavel Bhawan under the chairpersonship of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha. The meeting reviewed ongoing reforms and discussed the roadmap for further strengthening the state’s flagship public transport programme.

The committee assessed a range of policy and operational measures aimed at improving service efficiency, ensuring affordability, and enhancing last-mile connectivity across both urban and rural areas. Key deliberations focused on the engagement of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under MBS, with SHG conductors being recognised for their growing role in improving service delivery while promoting women-led livelihoods.

Discussions were also held on ticket fare revisions and passenger concessions to strike a balance between affordability and financial sustainability. The continuation of free bus travel for students was reaffirmed, highlighting the state government’s commitment to equitable access to education and mobility.

The committee further examined the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms for better coordination, monitoring, and accountability. Issues such as route rationalisation to optimise coverage and reduce overlaps, along with revision of GCC rates for PPP operators to ensure operational viability, were also discussed.

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