Odisha Approves Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative Scheme

Odisha Cabinet on September 16 approved the 'Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative' (LAccMI) scheme, which aims to promote sustainable and economical transport.

According to the State Commerce and Transport Department, the programme would create a continuous public transportation network throughout the State, extending from the level of the Gram Panchayat up to the State Capital, to offer dependable and reasonably priced services.

About Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI)

The Odisha government introduced on July 4 a program to help with seamless transportation in rural areas. 

• Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will participate in various operation and maintenance-related tasks within the Blocks as part of the LAccMI Scheme. 
• The LAccMI Scheme would be introduced gradually. The Scheme calls for the deployment of about 1000 buses. 
• The system would have a 10-year term that might be extended by an additional 2-year period. Additional allocation would be taken into consideration based on the review and performance.
• Within the framework of the LAccMI Scheme, Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (SHGs) will be engaged in various operation and maintenance-related activities within the Blocks.
• On October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, the initial phase of the operation, will begin, especially in outlying areas with poor or no public transportation connectivity. By January 2024, it will be gradually expanded to all regions.

Under the LAccMI Scheme, the bus network planning will be undertaken in a phased manner:

• Block Connectivity facilitates connectivity between Gram Panchayats and their respective Block headquarters.
• District Connectivity is connecting Block HQs to their respective District HQs.
• 'Jagannath Express' connects District HQs to Bhubaneswar or Puri via Bhubaneswar.
• 'LAccMI Express' connects District HQs and major cities (Inter-district and inter-cluster connectivity).

Objectives of the LAccMI Scheme

• LAccMI was one of the 20 new programs the state government announced in the 2023–24 budget, with a total investment of Rs 7,202 crore.
• For the project, an allocation of Rs 100 crore was established.
• The Commerce and Transport Department has determined that the new program's strategic focus will first be on intra-block and intra-district connections, with a later goal of integrating those efforts with inter-city bus operations. It would be effective for at least ten years.

The Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana was established by the state government of Odisha in 2014 to offer transportation services to residents of rural areas. It will be integrated into LAccMI for a smooth operation that focuses on rural areas and offers quick last-mile connectivity.