ATAL Bus Stand Inaugurated at Basta During Chief Minister’s Virtual Foundation and Inauguration Ceremony of Development Projects
Balasore | 04/06 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): In a significant development event held in Basta block of Balasore district, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several key developmental projects.
Among the major highlights of the occasion was the official inauguration of a newly constructed bus terminal in Basta, named the Atal Bus Stand in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The new facility was developed at an estimated cost of ₹3 crore. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of a host of dignitaries and local leaders.
The event was graced by Balasore MP and former Union Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi as the chief guest, along with Sudhakar Nayak (Additional District Magistrate, General), RTO Rashmi Ranjan Dalabehera, the BJP District President, local BDO, Tehsildar, social worker Rabindra Andia, and various intellectuals, officials from the RTO and OSRTC, and notable personalities from across the Basta block.
During the event, ADM Sudhakar Nayak introduced the guests and gave a comprehensive overview of the event’s objectives. MP Sarangi praised the rapid development pace in Odisha under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership behind the state’s progress in multiple sectors.
Odisha's Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, present as a distinguished guest, elaborated on various initiatives under his department. He was joined by Commerce and Transport Secretary Smt. Usha Padhee, DIG Y.S. Khurania, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, OSRTC CMD Diptesh Pattnaik, and Padma Shri sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, who were formally welcomed and introduced on the dais.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, connecting via virtual mode, inaugurated multiple projects including eight Jagannath Express buses connecting Puri to major tourist destinations, training centres at Paradip and Chandbali under the Odisha Maritime Academy, and several public awareness and education initiatives.
Significant announcements included:
Appointment of actor and Digapahandi MLA Siddhanta Mahapatra and sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as brand ambassadors for the state’s road safety campaign titled “Zero Accident Day”.
Emphasis on road safety laws and awareness campaigns.
Introduction of new initiatives to expedite the vehicle licensing process and reduce road accidents.
Honouring of first responders who saved lives during the "golden hour" following accidents.
The event concluded with Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur offering a formal vote of thanks. At the Basta venue, the BDO also extended his gratitude to all attendees and participants.
The Atal Bus Stand, inaugurated by MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, stands as a tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s enduring legacy and marks a milestone in Basta’s infrastructural development.
