Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 21 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has inaugurated the second phase of the rural bus service scheme, connecting more than 180 villages, including several Naxal-affected areas of the state.
The second phase of the scheme covers 23 routes, with 24 buses being inaugurated. The Chief Minister formally launched the phase from his official residence in Raipur and virtually flagged off the buses.
According to CM Sai, the first phase of the scheme was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and covered 34 routes, connecting 250 villages.
‘Today, in the second phase, 180 villages are being connected, in which 23 routes have been selected, and 24 buses have been inaugurated. Through this scheme, buses are being operated in villages affected by Naxalites,’ CM Sai told ANI.
Referring to the initial rollout, he said, ‘The first phase was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In the first phase, 34 routes were selected in which 250 villages were connected. People are benefiting from this bus service.’
Several villagers participating in the second phase arrived at the event on buses that were launched during the first phase. They interacted with the Chief Minister and said that travel from remote areas to block headquarters has become significantly easier and more convenient, according to an official statement from the state government.
Villagers who travelled on the Sukma–Dornapal–Konta route said they covered a distance of around 110 kilometres by bus to attend the programme, noting that the journey had earlier been extremely difficult and time-consuming.
The scheme aims not only to improve transportation facilities in remote regions but also to strengthen social and economic inclusion by connecting villages with cities and key service institutions.
The first phase of the rural bus service scheme was launched on October 4, 2025, connecting 250 villages across the state.
(ANI)