The long-standing demand of residents of Patrapada, Kalinga Vihar, Kalinga Nagar and Chakeisiani has been fulfilled with the Capital Region Urban Transport (Crut) launching Mo Bus service to connect these fringe areas with the city central.

The Crut has introduced 125 new buses last week and has decided to roll out the fleet on nine routes. Three of these routes are new. These new routes will connect the people living on these outskirts with the heart of the city. Two routes connect Chakeisiani and Kalinga Nagar, while another links the city to Patrapda and Kalinga Vihar.

“We have requested the city authorities a number of times in the past to provide city bus service to our areas because of rising population. Many of us come to the city regularly and had no option but availing of private transport facility. We faced difficulties, but now those days are over,” said Kalinga Vihar resident Jayant Jena.

The new city bus that connects Kalinga Nagar starts from Master Canteen Square and goes through prominent localities such as Raj Mahal Square, Unit I, AG Square, Nautala, passport office, Fire Station Square, Khandagiri and College of Engineering and Technology.

“There were no bus or autorickshaw on this route. I live near passport office and travel to my office at Unit III. Commuting to office was difficult till the Mo Bus service was rolled out on this route,” said Nayapalli resident Akankshya Mishra.

Similarly, the bus travelling to Kalinga Vihar starts from Sai Mandir and touches Chili Pokhari, Rajarani temple, Ravi Talkies, BJB College, State Museum, Kalpana Square, Old Station Bazar, Jharpada, Rasulgarh Square, Vani Vihar Square, Nayapalli, Rajdhani College and Baramunda.

This route also lacked a city bus service.

“Although autos were available, they charged fare at will. I used to pay Rs 15 for a trip from the Old Station to Rasulgarh. With the bus service in place, I have to shell out only Rs 6 for the same distance,” said Rasulgarh resident Tutu Singh.

Chakeisiani, on the city’s northern outskirts, did not have a city bus service. The new service covers the area. The bus starts from Dumduma and passes through places such as VSS Nagar and RD Women’s University.

“The motto of the revamped city bus service is to provide daily commuters with state-of-the-art transport service. Our expert committee has decided on these routes based on the need and demand of people. It will also come as a major cost saver for the people. More routes will be introduced soon,” said Crut managing director Krishan Kumar.