Bhubaneswar/Berhampur: Thousands of candidates appearing for NEET-UG re-test on Sunday benefited from the state govt’s special free transport initiative, which ensured hassle-free travel from bus stands, railway stations and other transit points to exam centres across Odisha.The arrangement proved particularly beneficial for students travelling from rural and remote areas, helping them overcome last-mile connectivity challenges and reach exam halls on time. While the initiative was widely appreciated, some candidates and their parents were unaware of the facility and made their own travel arrangements.As part of the govt’s effort to facilitate the movement of close to 57,000 candidates appearing for re-NEET, along with their parents and guardians, the state transport department put in place a comprehensive mobility plan across districts. Special buses were deployed from major transit points, while volunteers and transport personnel were stationed at key locations to guide candidates and assist them in reaching the exam centres.Candidates and their parents welcomed the initiative, saying it reduced last-minute stress and eased transport concerns, particularly for those travelling from outside the city.“Me and my daughter came from a village nearly 40km away. The free bus service made our journey much easier and saved us the trouble of arranging private transport early in the morning. It helped us reach the centre comfortably and on time,” said Sasmita Nayak, a parent from Salepur.Another candidate, however, said she learnt about the arrangement only after reaching the centre. “We travelled on our own because we were not aware that free buses had been arranged. The information should have been publicised more widely,” said Priyanka Behera of Khurda town, whose seat was in Bhubaneswar.In Berhampur, the administration had deployed around 50 buses to ferry candidates and their parents to exam centres. At all centres, waiting areas equipped with basic amenities such as seating arrangements and drinking water facilities were set up.“There were basic amenities for everyone, including seating arrangements and drinking water facilities. We are happy with the arrangements,” said Lambodar Biswal, a parent.Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said police were deployed at all exam centres and no untoward incidents were reported.
