Odisha govt approves free bus travel for students under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva

By Pramod Sahukar

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 26: In a significant step towards supporting school students, the Odisha government has approved free bus travel under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme. The commerce and transport department has issued a notification in this regard.

According to sources, the revised decision aims to improve access to schools and reduce dropout rates caused by distance-related transportation challenges.

Earlier, the government used to provide a 50 per cent concession on bus ticket fares for students.

“Department Resolution No. 6519 dated. 02.06.2025 on Promoting Public Transport System across Odisha under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS), Government after careful consideration have been pleased to approve the proposal of the school  and mass education department regarding Free Bus Travel for Students under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme in the High Level Meeting held on 21st August 2025 under the chairpersonship of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on key policy decisions and implementation strategies of School & Mass Education Department,” read the notification.

“In this context, to improve access to schools and reduce student dropouts due to distance, there will be a provision of free Bus Travel for Students under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme instead of 50 per cent Concession in Ticket Fares in both Non-AC & AC Bus services for students as notified earlier. A zero ticket will be generated in the Electronic Ticket Issue Machine (ETIM) for all school students on presenting a valid Student ID card or wearing the school uniform. Accordingly, Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTCP has to make necessary modifications in the software application. The existing bus routes and bus timings will be revisited by OSRTC to include the maximum number of schools in the route,” it added.