Odisha CM Launches Mahakumbh Bus Services

Odisha CM Flags Off Premium Bus Services for Mahakumbh Mela Devotees
Bhubaneswar, Jan 12 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi virtually flagged off four modern premium bus services on Sunday for devotees traveling to the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The buses will operate from Puri, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna, and Berhampur, covering over 2,500 km via Varanasi and Prayagraj.
In a program held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister hoisted the flag to inaugurate the service and extended his best wishes to the devotees embarking on this sacred journey. He emphasized that the initiative aims to provide comfortable and safe travel for thousands of devotees from Odisha who plan to attend the Mahakumbh Mela, taking place from Paush Purnima to Mahashivaratri (January 13 to February 26).
The Chief Minister announced a 50% discount on ticket prices for women passengers, making the service more inclusive. Each bus is equipped with modern features such as live vehicle tracking, panic buttons, and driver assistance systems to ensure passenger safety. A 24-hour help desk has also been set up for the convenience of travelers.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, speaking from Berhampur, highlighted the state’s ongoing month-long road safety program. He urged passengers and drivers to adhere to traffic rules to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
On the inaugural day, 200 devotees began their pilgrimage from Odisha, marking the commencement of this ambitious long-distance service. In the first phase, four buses have been deployed, with plans to expand the fleet based on demand.
Prominent attendees included MP Malvika Devi in Bhawanipatna, Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mohapatra from Puri, and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh at Lok Seva Bhawan. Senior officials such as Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department Usha Padhi, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and OSRTC CMD Diptesh Patnaik were also present.
This initiative underscores the Odisha government’s commitment to facilitating spiritual and safe travel for its citizens.
