Rayagada The five-rupee journey on the Chief Minister’s (Lakshmi) Bus will no longer be available. Although no official notification has been issued by the Transport Department, it is being said that the fare for the bus service — which was running at a heavy loss — is set to be increased.
Out of the 52 government buses operating in Rayagada district, 41 are currently running on various routes. There are around 180 personnel including drivers, conductors, and office staff. Each bus consumes more than 40 liters of fuel daily. According to an official, the income generated from passenger fares is insufficient to cover fuel expenses, let alone employee salaries.
As per estimates, the district administration has to release a substantial amount from its treasury to pay employee salaries. A private agency is bearing the cost of fuel for daily operations. Disputes often arise between the petrol pump and the agency regarding payments, said the owner of a pump located on the Rayagada-Koraput road.
An official stated that an increase in fare for the Chief Minister’s Bus Service has become necessary. However, no official written order has yet been issued in this regard, said our contact official, Soumya Mishra.