The state government is planning to roll out its ambitious Mukhyamantri Gram Gadi Yojana in the coming weeks in a phased manner as different districts have begun the groundwork in this regard.
Sources in the transport department said they are eyeing to launch the scheme formally on November 15, which also marks Jharkhand Statehood Day. In Ranchi, the district administration has asked all blocks to identify possible routes for the finalisation of the modalities and the commencement of the scheme. Talking to TOI, district transport officer Praveen Prakash hinted that they may take some more time beyond November 15 to kick start it in Ranchi district as the routes are yet to be finalised.
He said, “We have asked all the block development officers (BDOs) to identify the possible routes to start the rural transport service and send them to us at the earliest. Reports from all the blocks are still to come. Once the routes are finalised, the administration will float tenders, inviting vehicle operators on those earmarked routes before granting them permits. It is expected to take some time but we are working on priority given that it is one of the ambitious schemes of the government.”
The DTO further said at the state level, vehicles will be rolled out on 250 routes. “Of them, we are eyeing about 15 routes in Ranchi to begin with. Gradually it will be fanned out,” Prakash said, stressing that under this scheme, free transport will be available for widowed pensioners, statehood movement activists, differently abled persons and female students among others.
He also said, “The idea of this scheme is to offer the ease of mobility to those living in rural and remote areas to travel to the sub-division and the district headquarters for study, medical needs, work and other activities. Therefore, whatever routes that are identified are being done so with these aspects in mind. This service will act as the feeder service for the rural populace to the main connectivity junction/point.”
Private operators would have to use new vehicles which have 7 to 42 seats to get enrolled in the scheme and get government subsidies and assistance.
“Under the scheme, the operators providing services with buses and vehicles on the prescribed routes will be given subsidies for buying vehicles, one-time relaxation in registration fee and special financial assistance for the operation,” Prakash added.
