Odisha Announces Free Bus Travel for School Students under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva

Bhubaneswar, Aug 22 – In a student-friendly move aimed at making education more accessible, the Odisha government has announced that schoolchildren will now be able to travel free of cost in state-run buses under the ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seva’ scheme.

The decision was announced on Friday by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, who said the initiative would significantly ease the financial burden on families while also ensuring safer and more reliable travel for students.

Free Rides with Conditions

While the service will be completely free, Gond clarified that students must wear their school uniforms and carry valid identity cards to avail the benefit. “This step has been taken to ensure that only genuine school-going children use the facility. It is a step towards encouraging regular attendance and promoting education,” he told reporters.

Boost for Students and Families

The move is expected to benefit thousands of schoolchildren across Odisha, especially those in urban, semi-urban, and rural pockets where the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva currently operates. For many families, particularly from economically weaker sections, transportation costs often add to the financial strain of education. Free bus rides will now help reduce this burden and make schooling more affordable.

Education experts and parents have welcomed the initiative. “This is a great relief for parents. Many families spend a considerable amount every month on their children’s transport. Free rides will not only save money but also encourage children to attend school regularly,” said a parent from Bhubaneswar.

Mukhyamantri Bus Seva – Expanding Public Transport

Launched earlier this year, the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme was designed to expand affordable public transport across Odisha, particularly in districts where private connectivity is limited. The scheme aims to ensure reliable connectivity for citizens, while also supporting students, workers, and rural communities.

Officials said the decision to extend free rides to students reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education and improving student welfare. The move also aligns with the state’s broader goals of strengthening school infrastructure and reducing dropout rates.

Step Towards Inclusive Education

Transport has often been cited as a major barrier to education in rural and semi-urban Odisha, particularly for girls. By offering safe, government-managed, and free travel facilities, the state hopes to address these challenges.

“This initiative will particularly help students in small towns and villages, where schools are often located far from homes. Many children, especially girls, drop out after middle school due to lack of safe and affordable transport. Free rides in state-run buses will go a long way in bridging this gap,” said an education official.

Way Forward

The state government is also considering measures to increase the frequency of buses on key school routes and ensure that services are aligned with school timings. Authorities have been directed to monitor the rollout and make improvements based on feedback from parents, teachers, and local communities.

With this announcement, Odisha joins a small group of states that have introduced student-centric transport subsidies, reinforcing the idea that investment in children’s mobility is an investment in the state’s educational future.