Koraput: Already in defensive mode for the recent intrusion of the Andhra Pradesh government's officials into the disputed Kotiya panchayat area in Pottangi block of the district and launching their various social security programmes to woo the tribal residents, the Odisha government on Friday introduced bus service to the region.

Pottangi MLA Prafulla Pangi flagged-off the 40-seat bus at Kunduli, situated at a distance of about 27 kilometres from Kotiya, on NH-26.

"Everyday, the bus will cover around 250 kilometres. It will run from Tologolur to Kotiya via Pottangi and Kunduli and from Kotiya to Semiliguda and then again to Kotiya and from Kotiya to Tologolur," said Prabhat Chandra Pradhan, regional transport officer, Koraput.

Also, to check infiltration of Andhra officials at Kotiya, the panchayat authorities have erected a check post at Tau Padar village, which falls on the road leading to Kotiya. All vehicles going to Kotiya will be checked at this point.

"We hope to be able to check the intrusion of Andhra officials into Kotiya by erecting the check post," said Pangi. In another development, the administration has intensified its development works at the panchayat level there. Old and defunct transformers are being replaced, while road works are being carried on war-footing.