8 months ago
Odisha Approves Free Bus Travel for Students
The Odisha government has decided to give free bus rides to all school students.
Before, they only got half off on bus tickets.
Now, students can travel for free on both regular and air-conditioned buses.
They just need to show their student ID or wear their school uniform.
The government wants to make sure all students can go to school easily, even if it's far away.
The buses will also change their routes to include as many schools as possible.
This is part of a bigger plan to help more students go to school.
Odisha government approves free bus travel for students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.
Replaces previous 50% concession on bus ticket fares for students.
Free travel applicable in both Non-AC and AC bus services.
Students need to present a valid Student ID card or wear school uniform to avail the benefit.
OSRTC to modify software and revise bus routes to include more schools.
- Who
- Odisha government
- What
- Approved free bus travel for students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme
- Where
- Odisha, India
- When
- Notification issued on 02.06.2025, decision made on 21st August 2025
- Why
- To improve access to schools and reduce student dropouts due to distance-related transportation challenges
Key facts
- Scheme Name
- Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS)
- Previous Benefit
- 50% concession on bus ticket fares
- New Benefit
- Free bus travel for students
- Notification Date
- 02.06.2025
- Meeting Date
- 21st August 2025
- Required Identification
- Valid Student ID card or school uniform
- Implementation Body
- Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC)
Quotes
Odisha Government Notification
Official notification from the Odisha Government regarding the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.
“In this context, to improve access to schools and reduce student dropouts due to distance, there will be a provision of free Bus Travel for Students under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme instead of 50% Concession in Ticket Fares in both Non-AC & AC Bus services for students as notified earlier. A zero ticket will be generated in the Electronic Ticket Issue Machine (ETIM) for all school students on presenting a valid Student ID card or wearing the school uniform. Accordingly, OSRTC has to make necessary modifications in the software application. The existing bus routes and bus timings will be revisited by OSRTC to include the maximum number of schools in the route.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Department Resolution No. 6519 dated. 02.06.2025 on Promoting Public Transport System across Odisha under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS), Government after careful consideration have been pleased to approve the proposal of the School & Mass Education Department regarding Free Bus Travel for Students under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme in the High Level Meeting held on 21st August 2025 under the chairpersonship of Hon'ble Chief Minister on key policy decisions and implementation strategies of School & Mass Education Department.”
deccanchronicle.com
