Bus service begins in insurgency-hit Chhattisgarh's last village Pamed

BIJAPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has launched bus services connecting seven panchayats, including Pamed, the state's remotest village, marking a significant change in the heavily Maoist-affected Bijapur district.

This development highlights the successful operations of security forces and demonstrates the government's commitment to advancing Bijapur's progress, an area previously known primarily for Maoist-related incidents such as IED explosions, encounters and ambushes.


Officials report that the government's efforts to integrate Bijapur into mainstream development have resulted in establishing bus connectivity to seven panchayats, including Pamed, a location that has experienced numerous Maoist incidents historically.

According to officials, Pamed was previously only accessible through Telangana, being disconnected from the district headquarters. The introduction of passenger bus service to this area comes after approximately 50 years.

The officials noted that substantial progress in development activities has occurred over the past four months, including the expansion of roads, establishment of camps, and provision of essential facilities in the region.

The passenger bus service represents a significant advancement for the area. Residents no longer need to travel via Telangana to reach Pamed and neighbouring villages, as direct transport from Bijapur headquarters is now available.

Officials stated that whilst a road existed in the area 50 years ago, no vehicles operated on it. The region subsequently came under Maoist control. Currently, the area is included in major government initiatives, featuring new camps, improved road infrastructure, and enhanced basic facilities for local residents.

"It's a matter of great happiness that Pamed, the last village of the district, was inaccessible inside from Bijapur. Earlier, it cost around 200 kilometres more to reach Pamed via Telangana. Due to camps of the security forces recently opened, Pamed is now accessible from Bijapur headquarters for the first time. Major numbers of villages identified under Niyad Nellanaar scheme fall on this route and due to the introduction of public transport facilities, these villages will get connected from Bijapur headquarter for the first time," said Bijapur collector Sambit Mishra.

"The connectivity with Pamed was available before 2000 and thereafter, it was cut-off. With the establishment of security forces' camps, the connectivity was restored. As per the desire of the local population, roads are being constructed, vehicles started plying, drinking water and electricity are ensured to the place, which lacks connectivity for the last 30 years," Bijapur superintendent of police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Yadav.

"Bus service will benefit the population of over 21 villages under seven panchayats, including Pamed," said the SP, elaborating that earlier the villagers (of Pamed and nearby villages) had to face serious trouble in reaching the district headquarter because they had to cover around 250 kilometres via Telangana.

"Be it block or district headquarter, people are now having connectivity," he added.

The official elaborated that the region encompassed by Tarrem, Pamed and Jagargunda police jurisdictions was regarded as a Maoist battalion stronghold. The deployment of security forces' camps has enabled the resumption of vehicle movement in the vicinity.

The SP highlighted Pamed's strategic significance as part of South Bastar division, where PLGA Battalion-1, the formidable combat unit of the Maoist's military wing, and senior commanders operated. He noted that infiltration was challenging due to the presence of 500-600 armed personnel in these areas.

"After the establishment of the camps, the banned organisation started losing their ground and shifting to other places," claimed SP Jitendra Kumar Yadav.

"Commencement of the bus service will promote local markets in the area," he believed.


"People are very delighted with the introduction of the transport facility and happily using the facility of bus service for the movement," said bus driver Mayandra Chapdi, adding that 70-80 persons are availing the facility.

"Forces are providing security cover", added the driver.


A passenger, Lokesh Yadacv said, "There is great enthusiasm among villagers with this bus service. This is a really good facility for them. Due to remote areas and Maoists, this area was devoid of facilities.

Commuting was very difficult. Now, there will be better access," he added.


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