Mukhyamantri Bus Seva Odisha 2026: Free Bus Travel for Students and 50% Concession
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School students travelling in Odisha can now use eligible Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) buses without paying a fare. The Odisha government replaced the earlier 50% student fare concession with free travel in both AC and non-AC MBS buses.
Other eligible passengers, including women, transgender persons, persons with disabilities and senior citizens, are covered by the 50% fare concession announced under the scheme. However, passengers should check the current ticketing and concession rules before travelling.
Mukhyamantri Bus Seva is designed to improve public transport connectivity across rural Odisha. It developed from the earlier LAccMI bus programme and includes services connecting villages with block headquarters, district centres and essential public facilities.
This guide explains the latest available rules, student eligibility, ticketing, concessions, NCMC details and important updates.
Mukhyamantri Bus Seva Odisha: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) |
| State | Odisha |
| Earlier programme | LAccMI bus service |
| LAccMI launch date | 12 October 2023 |
| MBS cabinet approval | 7 May 2025 |
| Operating agency | Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) |
| Free travel benefit | School students |
| Other concession | 50% fare concession for eligible passenger groups |
| Bus types | AC and non-AC |
| Operating model | Gross Cost Contract (GCC) |
| Main objective | Affordable transport and improved rural connectivity |
What Is Mukhyamantri Bus Seva?
Mukhyamantri Bus Seva is a public transport programme of the Odisha government that aims to provide affordable and accessible bus connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The service connects villages and Gram Panchayats with block headquarters, district centres, schools, hospitals, markets and other important destinations.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) oversees the programme, while buses operate through a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) arrangement.
The scheme is important for people who depend on public transport for education, healthcare, work and daily activities. It also aims to make bus travel more affordable for passengers who may otherwise have limited transport options.
Is Mukhyamantri Bus Seva the Same as LAccMI?
Mukhyamantri Bus Seva developed from the earlier Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI), launched by the previous Odisha government on 12 October 2023.
LAccMI was introduced to improve connectivity between Gram Panchayats and block headquarters. In June 2024, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced that the service would be renamed Mukhyamantri Bus Seva and restructured.
The current programme has introduced additional passenger concessions, safety provisions and operational changes.
LAccMI to Mukhyamantri Bus Seva: Timeline
- 12 October 2023: LAccMI was launched to improve rural transport connectivity in Odisha.
- 29 June 2024: The state government announced the plan to rename and restructure LAccMI as Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.
- 7 May 2025: The state cabinet approved Mukhyamantri Bus Seva with revised concessions and other provisions.
- 21 August 2025: A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved free bus travel for school students.
- 24 December 2025: The Commerce and Transport Department issued a notification regarding free student travel under MBS.
- 26–27 December 2025: The revised student travel provision was reported publicly, replacing the earlier 50% student concession.
The important change is that school students no longer need to pay half of the applicable fare when travelling on eligible MBS buses under the free-travel provision.
Who Gets Free Travel and Who Gets a 50% Concession?
The benefits under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva depend on the passenger category.
| Passenger category | Available benefit |
|---|---|
| School students | Free travel in AC and non-AC MBS buses |
| Women | 50% fare concession |
| Transgender persons | 50% fare concession |
| Persons with disabilities | 50% fare concession |
| Senior citizens | 50% fare concession |
| College students | Confirm eligibility with OSRTC |
The student benefit is specifically described as free bus travel for school students. College students should not assume that the same rule applies to them.
The 50% concession for other eligible groups was announced as part of the MBS policy. The cabinet announcement also referred to the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for concessions.
Passengers should confirm the current implementation process with OSRTC, particularly if they are travelling on a route where the concession or ticketing arrangements are unclear.
Free Bus Travel for School Students in Odisha
The Odisha government introduced free travel for school students to make education more accessible and reduce the financial burden on families.
Under the notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, eligible school students can travel free of cost on both AC and non-AC buses operating under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.
The earlier student concession was 50% of the ticket fare. The revised provision replaces that concession with free travel.
How Can School Students Travel for Free?
Students can follow these steps when boarding an eligible MBS bus:
- Check whether the bus is operating under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.
- Carry a valid school identity card.
- Show the student ID card to the conductor when boarding.
- Students wearing their school uniform may also use the facility, as specified in the notification.
- The conductor generates a zero-value ticket through the Electronic Ticket Issue Machine (ETIM).
The zero-value ticket records the journey even though the student does not pay a fare.
Is the Free Travel Facility Available in AC and Non-AC Buses?
Yes. The notification covers both AC and non-AC MBS bus services.
However, the benefit should not be assumed to apply to every private bus or every public transport service operating in Odisha. It is specifically associated with eligible buses under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme.
Do College Students Get Free Bus Travel?
The notification refers to school students. It does not clearly establish a general free-travel entitlement for college students.
College students should check with their nearest OSRTC depot before travelling. Older reports mentioning a 50% student concession may refer to the earlier rule and should not be treated as confirmation of the current benefit.
What Is the NCMC Card and How Does It Work?
The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a mobility payment card designed to support transport-related transactions.
The MBS cabinet announcement referred to NCMC in connection with passenger concessions. However, the publicly available information reviewed for this article does not clearly explain every step required to obtain the card or activate the MBS concession.
Passengers should therefore avoid relying on unofficial claims about card registration, fees or activation.
For the latest instructions, contact OSRTC or check the official Odisha Transport Department website.
Safety Features of Mukhyamantri Bus Seva
The Odisha government has highlighted passenger safety as an important part of the MBS programme.
The announced safety provisions include:
- CCTV cameras
- Live vehicle tracking
- Passenger information systems
- Panic buttons
- Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
These features are intended to improve passenger security, monitoring and road safety.
The actual availability and functioning of individual features may depend on the bus and its operational status.
How Is Mukhyamantri Bus Seva Managed?
OSRTC is responsible for monitoring and governing the MBS programme.
The buses operate under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. Under this arrangement, operators are generally paid according to an agreed cost-per-kilometre structure, while ticket revenue is handled according to the contract.
The model is intended to improve accountability and ensure that services continue to operate according to government requirements.
An evaluation and monitoring mechanism reviews operational performance and can recommend improvements.
The government has also directed OSRTC to review routes and timings to improve access to schools and other important destinations.
What Were the Original LAccMI Bus Fares?
The original LAccMI fare structure is useful for understanding how the programme began. However, it should not be treated as the current MBS fare chart.
The old fare details included:
| Bus type | Original fare range up to 80 km |
|---|---|
| Non-AC block connectivity bus | ₹5 to ₹30 |
| AC district connectivity bus | ₹10 to ₹80 |
| Earlier flat concession for certain groups | ₹5 for block services and ₹10 for district services |
These figures relate to the earlier LAccMI arrangement. Subsequent MBS policy changes introduced revised concessions, including free travel for school students.
Passengers should confirm the current fare with OSRTC before travelling.
LAccMI vs Mukhyamantri Bus Seva
| Feature | LAccMI | Mukhyamantri Bus Seva |
|---|---|---|
| Programme introduced | October 2023 | Renamed and restructured from 2024 onwards |
| Main objective | Rural connectivity | Rural connectivity and affordable public transport |
| Student benefit | Earlier fare concession | Free travel for school students |
| Other passenger concessions | Earlier fixed concessional fares | 50% concession for eligible groups |
| Safety provisions | Part of the original transport programme | Additional safety measures highlighted |
| Management | Government-supported bus service | OSRTC oversight with GCC operations |
The current MBS programme should be understood as an evolved transport service rather than simply a change of name.
Latest Mukhyamantri Bus Seva Updates
December 2025: Review of Routes and Passenger Concessions
A State-Level Steering Committee meeting held on 20 December 2025 reviewed the MBS programme and discussed ways to improve public transport.
The discussions included route rationalisation, monitoring, ticket fare revisions, passenger concessions and greater participation of women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The committee also discussed the possibility of engaging women SHG members as bus conductors or bus guides. This was a proposal under discussion, not confirmation that the plan had been implemented statewide.
January 2026: Private Bus Operators Raise Concerns
In January 2026, the State Private Bus Owners’ Association threatened a statewide strike, raising concerns about the impact of MBS buses on private operators serving district routes.
The issue highlighted the challenges of balancing affordable public transport with the interests of private bus operators.
August 2026: Bus Services Disrupted in Kendujhar
In August 2026, Mukhyamantri Bus Seva operations were disrupted in seven blocks of Kendujhar district after drivers protested alleged delays in salary payments.
The disruption affected passengers, including students and daily commuters. It was an operational issue and should not be interpreted as a statewide suspension of the scheme.
Passengers travelling in affected areas should check local bus availability before starting their journey.
What Should You Do If a Conductor Refuses Your Concession?
If you believe you are eligible for a benefit but the conductor refuses to provide it, follow these practical steps:
- Politely explain which concession you are claiming.
- Show your valid school ID card or other relevant identification.
- Ask whether the bus is operating under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.
- Note the bus number, route, date and time.
- Keep the ticket or payment receipt, if one is issued.
- Contact the OSRTC depot manager or the relevant transport department office for clarification.
These are practical suggestions for resolving a dispute. They are not a substitute for an officially published grievance procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mukhyamantri Bus Seva free for students in Odisha?
Yes. Eligible school students can travel free in both AC and non-AC MBS buses by presenting a valid school ID card or wearing their school uniform. A zero-value ticket is generated through the electronic ticketing machine.
Who gets a 50% concession under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva?
The 50% fare concession was announced for women, transgender persons, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Passengers should check the current ticketing requirements with OSRTC.
Is Mukhyamantri Bus Seva the same as LAccMI?
Mukhyamantri Bus Seva developed from the earlier LAccMI programme. The government announced the renaming and restructuring in June 2024, followed by additional policy changes.
Can college students travel free on MBS buses?
The free-travel notification specifically mentions school students. College students should confirm their eligibility with OSRTC rather than relying on older reports.
Are AC buses included in the free student travel scheme?
Yes. The notification covers both AC and non-AC MBS bus services.
How many buses operate under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva?
A government report recorded 1,422 buses delivered under the rural bus programme by December 2024, of which 1,326 were operational at that time. These are dated figures and should not be treated as the current 2026 operating fleet.
Does the MBS concession require an NCMC card?
The cabinet announcement referred to NCMC in connection with concessions. However, the complete passenger registration and activation process should be confirmed through official instructions.
Is the original LAccMI fare structure still valid?
The original LAccMI fares are historical information. MBS has introduced revised passenger concessions, so passengers should verify the current fare before travelling.
Where can I check official MBS information?
Passengers can check the Odisha Transport Department website or contact OSRTC for current routes, fares, concessions and service availability.
Official Sources
For the latest information, use government sources wherever possible:
- Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha
- Odisha Transport Department – OSRTC (https://odishatransport.gov.in/content/OSRTC/)
- Commerce and Transport Department Annual Activities Report 2023–24 (https://ct.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-07/240724_Annual%20Activities%20report-%28C%26T%20Dept.%29%20%281640%20hrs.%29_0.pdf)
- Official notification: Free bus travel for school students under MBS (https://ctz.edodisha.gov.in/Citizen/ShowPDF?ijl=S689YFNZvahnHq2WTy4qtuX52aoLA2GkR3TeKNFktfc%3D)
You may also read our guides on Odisha Government Schemes, Habishyali Yojana and Shree Anna Abhiyan Odisha.
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Government of Odisha. Scheme rules, fares, routes and operational arrangements may change. Please confirm the latest details with OSRTC or the Commerce and Transport Department before travelling.
