Development eluded Sukma district’s tribes due to their remote settlements and sociopolitical conflicts. Hakkum Mail, a new bus service, connects them to services essential for growth and a better quality of life.
Sukma district, located in the southernmost region of Chhattisgarh, is enveloped by semi-tropical forests on the Bastar plateau. It’s primarily inhabited by indigenous tribal communities living in remote settlements.
Geographic isolation, combined with decades of conflict between security forces and left-wing extremists, has perpetuated a cycle of poverty, lack of access to basic services and vulnerability to radicalisation among the local population.
The rugged terrain and sociopolitical unrest have made it extremely difficult for residents to access essential services and economic opportunities. This lack of connectivity has further marginalised the community.
However, a transformative initiative proposed by the district collector of Sukma and developed by Public Policy in Action (PPIA) Fellows, has received approval and funding from NITI Aayog, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity and the quality of life in the region.
On 22 February this year, after coordinating with district authorities to designate bus routes that were not part of the official government-gazetted network, the district administration launched Hakkum Mail public bus services across four key routes. This project aims to bridge the connectivity gap that has hindered Sukma’s development for far too long.
The underlying principle is that an individual’s potential for development is directly linked to their ability to travel and access opportunities. By enhancing transportation infrastructure, the project seeks to open up new avenues for economic and social advancement.
The primary objectives include improving access to markets, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and employment opportunities, promoting economic growth and private investment, reducing dependency on government services and fostering social inclusion, particularly for marginalised tribal communities.
By facilitating mobility, the bus service aims to integrate isolated areas with wider regional networks and essential services crucial for development.
The bus routes were carefully selected based on extensive consultations with the local communities, and after mapping the existing infrastructure and assessing the most critical areas requiring connectivity.
While Route 1 connects Jagargunda and Konta, Route 2 connects Tonpal and Tongpal through Sukma. Route 3 connects Bhusaras and Oler, through Sukma again. Route 4 connects Kistaram and Sukma.
Through a competitive tendering process, a private operator was selected to manage the Hakkum Mail bus service across the four designated routes, ensuring transparency and efficiency while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in the private sector.
Since its launch, the Hakkum Mail has received a significant positive response from the public, highlighting the long-felt need for such an initiative. Residents who previously faced immense challenges in traveling even short distances have newfound mobility.
This change is crucial in a region where lack of reliable transportation often meant the difference between accessing timely medical care, attending school and reaching the markets to sell produce.
Moreover, the Hakkum Mail has played a pivotal role in promoting social inclusion. For marginalised tribal communities – often excluded from mainstream development – this initiative provides a tangible connection to the broader socioeconomic fabric of the region.
By integrating these communities into wider regional networks, the bus service fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. This transportation project represents a crucial step towards comprehensive development in Sukma, a region where conditions were not favourable thus far.
The challenges in implementing this project were significant, as navigating bureaucratic processes, securing funding and addressing logistical hurdles in a conflict-affected area required immense dedication and collaborative effort from all the stakeholders.
The district administration’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success is evident in the meticulous planning and execution. Regular community feedback is sought to continuously improve the service and to ensure that it meets the evolving needs of the population.
The Hakkum Mail buses are designed to be robust and reliable, capable of withstanding the challenging terrain while providing a comfortable and safe mode of transportation for passengers.
By catalysing mobility and integration, the bus service holds the promise of unravelling the knots of underdevelopment, fostering an environment conducive to progress and empowering resilient tribal communities to chart their paths toward a brighter future.
As Hakkum Mail buses traverse Sukma’s challenging terrain, they carry not just passengers but the hopes and dreams of a community striving for a better tomorrow.
The journey towards development is never easy, but initiatives like this rekindle hope in the hearts of Sukma’s people. This project is more than just a means of transportation; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective action and visionary leadership.
The wheels of these buses are turning the wheels of change, bringing the promise of a brighter, more connected future for all.
The lead image shows a Hakkum Mail bus and the people queueing up to board it, as it provides them much-needed access to essential services (Photo by Saurav Kumar)
Saurav Kumar and Atray Karmahe are Public Policy in Action Fellows with Transform Rural India and work with the district administration of Sukma.
