Bhubaneswar, September 17: The Odisha Government has officially approved the Free Bus Travel for Students initiative under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.

Following a high-level meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on August 21, 2025, the state has decided that all school students will be eligible for free bus travel upon presenting a valid student ID card or by wearing their school uniform.

Key points of the initiative include:

• OSRTC will revise bus routes and schedules to ensure maximum coverage of schools.
• District Education Officers will supply the necessary data for route remapping.
• The Commerce & Transport Department will allocate a budget to compensate OSRTC for the potential revenue loss.
• Relevant departments and officials have been instructed to take all necessary actions for the smooth rollout of the program.