BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Friday decided to launch the Atal Bus Stand scheme with an outlay of Rs 3,400 crore spread till 2031-32, for the purpose of creating modern public transport infrastructure and facilities across the districts.
A proposal to this effect was approved at the meeting of the state cabinet presided by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan here. As per the scheme, Atal bus stands will be established at district, sub-divisional, block headquarters, urban local bodies including tourist and other important locations in Odisha.
Chief secretary Anu Garg told mediapersons that the bus stands will be categorised into A, B and C classes as per requirement of the public. All the existing bus stands in the urban areas will be modernised, revamped and brought under one umbrella of administration.
Garg said bus stands included in the scheme will be officially designated and notified as public transport infrastructure to be used both by government and private bus operators for integrated public service and convenience. Emphasising passenger convenience, financial sustainability, and environmental responsibility, the scheme lays emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency, revenue generation through commercial spaces and reducing long-term liabilities.
The scheme also prioritises eco-friendly designs, such as green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting and solar energy integration, while promoting inclusive growth and better connectivity to support the state’s economic development. The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), under the Commerce and Transport department, will implement the scheme.
The chief secretary said the cabinet also approved an operation and maintenance policy for rural drinking water supply, which aims to establish sustainable and reliable drinking water services in rural areas. The policy provides a comprehensive framework to guarantee uninterrupted water supply, strict compliance with drinking water quality standards, preventive maintenance of assets and transparent financial management.
The policy clearly defines the responsibilities of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS), district authorities, gram panchayats, and village water and sanitation committees to strengthen decentralised governance and community ownership. The policy has introduced structured user-charge mechanisms, dedicated funds for operation and maintenance of water supply schemes at village-level, regular water quality testing, digital monitoring and IT-based systems.
The chief secretary said by launching this policy, Odisha has moved to the next phase of rural water supply management focusing on sustainability, accountability and service excellence. She said the aim of the government is that every household must not only have a tap connection, but must receive safe, reliable and adequate drinking water everyday.
The chief secretary said significant progress has been made in strengthening rural drinking water infrastructure across the state. A total of 27 mega pipe water supply projects has been completed, while water treatment plants and intake structures have been completed in 82 projects, enabling commencement of water supply to villages.