Buses wait for passengers at the Berhampur terminal

Bhubaneswar, April 23: The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) is set to buy 75 buses that will ply in the Maoist-affected districts of the state, once the model code of conduct imposed for general election is lifted.

The officials said that there was a plan to buy 100 buses having 40 seats each to provide better communication facilities in the otherwise inaccessible region.

The authorities have already bought 25 vehicles for Rs six crores and the buses have been pressed into service in Phulbani district.

“We are waiting for the election process to be over. Once that end, we will immediately purchase the remaining buses,” said Prasanna Sarangi, general manager (administration).

To take on the Maoists, the government had planned to provide better transport facility in the 15 extremism-affected districts of the state. A committee formed for the purpose and comprising secretaries of the home and the transport departments has identified 72 routes in 15 districts.

A government official said that out of nearly 400-odd buses being operated by the OSRTC, around 200 are plying in the Maoist affected districts at present. Most of these vehicles traverse through urban areas, townships and main towns.

“In the coming days the number of buses will be increased depending on the requirement,” said an officer.

The election process has affected hiring of drivers in Berhampur. The corporation also awaits nod of the chief electoral officer, Odisha, to recruit more drivers to run the city bus service in Berhampur.

The city service was launched just before the elections process began and the recruitment of drivers could not take place in view of the model code of conduct.

“We have approached the chief electoral officer and after we get the necessary permission we will recruit drivers and improve the city bus service in the silk city,” said Sarangi.

As many as 32 buses have been commissioned to ply on different routes in Berhampur under JNNURM project of the central government.