Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will soon launch the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (bus service) in the Kotia region of Koraput district to enhance connectivity and strengthen public transport in the area, Transport and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said today.

Describing Kotia as an integral and inseparable part of Odisha, the minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the region, despite Andhra Pradesh’s repeated claims over it, especially during elections.

"The Odisha government is actively working to counter such claims and ensure the integrated development of Kotia. The Transport Department will soon roll out Mukhyamantri Bus Seva in the area to improve connectivity for the locals," said Jena.

He mentioned that the region is abundant in mineral reserves. “One of the hills in Kotia is popularly known as the ‘Golden Hill’ due to its mineral richness,” Jena said, adding that the Mines Department is also taking steps to identify and make optimal use of these resources.