Draft:Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative

Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative is a mass transportation scheme, under which affordable bus services are provided to people in rural areas of Odisha where almost 83% of the population of the State resides in the rural pockets which is approximately 35 million/ 3.5 crore people. The Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative project, commonly abbreviated as LAccMI, bus service has been implemented in Odisha under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) transportation projects and the program aims have an enormous impact on both the poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability goals.

Just as the Mo Bus initiative under the aegis of CRUT (Capital Region Urban Transport) the LaccMI initiative aims to connect rural and under developed areas of Odisha. Transportation issues are dealt with directly in Agenda 21, the Global Plan of Action for Habitat II, and the proceedings of the Commission for Sustainable Development, and in the official policies of the development banks. The MDGs do not directly address transport issues because they accept the legitimacy of these earlier UN agreements.

Background

As per various world bodies and institutions the indian province of Odisha has over 35 million people in numerous rural pockets spread across the state, with a large inter-state and intra-state labour migration caused due to the sudden rise in infrastructural works and new job oppurtunities post the economic liberalisation of India in the early 90's yet even now the state remains quite backward in terms of poverty, health and economic prosperity though a gradual decline has been observed. This large rural population needs special attention for their overall development hence in Odisha under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Government of Odisha to bridge the gap of over 28% Gram Panchayats which are yet to be connected to a proper reliable road transport network. Rural populations struggle to access essential services like healthcare, education, and government offices due to inadequate transportation. This disparity hinders their ability to improve their lives and actively participate in the state's development. This lack of connection acts as a barrier to balanced development. Remote areas are unable to fully contribute to Odisha's economic and social progress due to poor infrastructure. This creates a cycle where these regions miss out on the benefits of growth, further hindering their development.

Objective

The Local Access and Mobility Initiative (LAccMI) in Odisha is designed to transform public transportation by connecting all Gram Panchayats, thereby advancing accessibility, safety, and service efficiency. This initiative aims to bridge the rural-urban divide, ensuring equitable access to markets, education, and healthcare, with a special focus on women's safety. By fostering public-private partnerships and prioritizing sustainable practices, LAccMI not only boosts tourism and economic growth but also builds a more inclusive and interconnected community fabric.

Through the LAccMI scheme the Government of Odisha operates with a robust fleet of 1,745 buses and a dedicated budget of 3,178 Crore for the first three years. It employs a three-tier service model for enhanced operational efficiency and connectivity.

Ensure rural and semi-urban connectivity in Odisha with 1,623 buses linking Gram Panchayats to Blocks, and Blocks to District HQ, focusing on daily commutes and quality of life improvements with 122 buses, connect District HQ with major cities, and business hubs providing accessible transport in rural areas, featuring express buses for efficient long-distance travel.

To optimize efficiency, Odisha's 30 districts are divided into five clusters, based on demography, geography, and transport connectivity. This strategic division allows for tailored and effective transport services tailored to regional needs.

Over the next five years, this multi modal transport scheme is expected to generate more than INR 4,500 Crore in revenue.

Women's empowerment

A unique feature of LAccMI is its focus on community participation and women's empowerment. In every district, designated routes will be managed by women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), taking on roles in maintenance, management, and operations hence helping in the absorption of women in the state workforce.

Tourism growth

Tourists, both domestic and international, can now easily access Odisha's rich cultural and natural heritage due to LAccMI initiative, which is expected to significantly boost tourism in the state. By including popular tourist attractions in its network, LAccMI will make it easier for visitors to explore the region. This improved connectivity is likely to attract more tourists, which will not only benefit regional tourism but also support the local communities by creating more livelihood opportunities.

Socio-Economic Growth

The Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) also has a vision for a connected, inclusive, and prosperous Odisha. With enhanced connectivity to rural communities this initiative represents a significant step towards achieving the state's socio-economic development goals, ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of their location, has access to essential services and opportunities.

Problems addressed

1.     Rural Connectivity

2.     Womens safety and affordable public transport

3.     Reduce inequitable access

4.     Women empowerment

LAccMI scheme was launched under the 5T initiative of the state. There are primarily three types of stakeholders in the proposed LAccMI administrative structure, the Nodal body, State level aggregator and PPP operator. Commerce and Transport Department of Odisha is the Nodal Body responsible for policy, guidelines, and financial support. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) is the State Level Aggregator responsible for onboarding PPP Partner, Formulating operational framework, Route scheduling, Execution & monitoring. Other stakeholders include Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mission Shakti Department of Govt. of Odisha. For the smooth execution of the scheme, PPP partners were onboarded.

Project Management Partner i.e., Palladium Consulting India Private Limited. Further, central agencies like Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) and Delhi integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) were also onboarded as the transport domain expert for their review and suggestions on various aspects of the project and vetting of the Detailed Project Report.

Key features

1. Seamless and Convenient last mile connectivity, ensuring every nook and corner of Odisha stays connects. LAccMI seamlessly connects urban and rural communities, providing accessible, sustainable, and efficient mobility solutions.2.
2. Providing access to essential services like healthcare, education, and government offices via bus network spanning GPs, Blocks, Districts, state capital, and major cities, prioritizing equitable distribution public transport infrastructure and services across the State
3. Provide affordable public transportation in the state. LAccMI provides the starting fare of just Rs. 5 and special concessions for women, students and differently abled.  
4. Enhanced Sustainability: LAccMI complies with more than 4 SDGs (SDG 8,9,11 and 12). Outdated buses are replaced with environmentally friendly, low-emission and energy-efficient buses
5. Women Safety and Women Empowerment: Female conductors were involved. Mission Shakti (Women SHG) was engaged for the operation and maintenance activities.