Jharigaon: The previous state government had introduced the Lakshmi Bus Service to provide affordable and safe travel for people from panchayats to block headquarters and sub-divisions. However, due to errors in preparing the route map for buses operating in Jharigaon block, many remote villages have been deprived of bus services. Some residents have also complained that they have to walk 4 to 5 kilometers to access bus services.
In particular, such complaints have been raised in Palia and Bhalukanadi panchayats under Jharigaon block. Villagers from places like Saharamsa, Badani, Dumuripada, Meradanaguda, Nuaguda, Baghguda, and Sirmaguda demand that buses should pass through these villages so that they can benefit from the service.
Currently, two buses operate through Bhalukanadi panchayat—one running between Jharigaon and Mundapadar and the other between Jharigaon and Bhitar Karamari. However, these buses only pass through Sariapada village bus stand, leaving many villages in the panchayat far from the bus route. Since several