After 78 years, the first MSRTC bus reaches Markanar, a former Naxal stronghold in Gadchiroli. The service marks historic progress and connects hundreds of tribals to essential services and hope.
Gadchiroli | 17 July, 2025: In a remarkable breakthrough for development in Gadchiroli, a state transport bus has reached Markanar village near Abuzhmad — an area once known as a Naxalite stronghold. For the first time in 78 years, villagers here, who once walked miles to reach basic facilities, can now travel by bus.
Located in Bhamragad taluka, Markanar and surrounding villages like Murambahushi, Phulnar, Koparshi, Poyarkothi, and Gundurwadi — home to nearly a thousand tribals — will now benefit from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) service. Earlier, the nearest bus stop was six kilometers away in Kothi village, and residents had to walk long distances daily. The newly extended route eliminates this hardship and brings essential connectivity to the region.
The joy among the villagers, especially school children, was palpable. They welcomed the bus with the Indian tricolor, while their parents beat drums and raised pro-government slogans in celebration. This moment marks a new chapter in their lives, replacing decades of isolation and conflict with hope and progress.
This achievement follows the implementation of the government’s Gaon Bandh Yojana (Village Closure Scheme), where villagers pledged to keep Naxalites out of their villages in exchange for developmental assistance. With the help of commandos, the administration cleared the area of Naxalite presence, constructed roads, and installed mobile towers.
Bhamragad SDPO Amar Mohite confirmed that this milestone was a result of sustained efforts under the scheme. Previously, even basic amenities like mobile networks and Aadhar cards were missing in this region. The bus service marks a transformative change.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier praised the commencement of bus services in remote parts of Gadchiroli during his Mann Ki Baat program on May 25. Inspired by this, local authorities extended the service further into areas like Markanar.
The bus is not just a vehicle — it’s a symbol of freedom, inclusion, and the end of an era dominated by violence and fear. It connects these remote tribal villages to the rest of the state, enabling access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.
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