Maharashtra: In a milestone for Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, the state-run bus service has reached Markanar village — a once inaccessible region plagued by Naxal activity — for the first time since India’s Independence.

A remote village in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, which was previously known for Naxal activity, has now gained accessibility with the introduction of a state-run bus service. This marks the first time such a service has been available in the area since independence, according to police reports.

On Wednesday, villagers in Markanar, located in the Bhamragad subdivision at the foothills of Abujhmad forest, gathered to cheer the arrival of the bus by waving the national flag. The initiative, credited to the efforts of Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal and the district police force, officially brought Markanar into the state transport network.

The new route will significantly ease travel for over 1,200 residents across Markanar and surrounding villages such as Murumbhushi, Phulnar, Koparshi, Poyarkothi, and Gundurwahi. Among those set to benefit are students, patients, and daily commuters who previously lacked reliable road access.

Gadchiroli district, home to a large tribal population, has faced decades of poor infrastructure and security issues due to Maoist influence. However, recent years have seen intensified developmental efforts backed by police protection. The district police have reportedly overseen the construction of 20 roads spanning 420.95 kilometres and 60 bridges over the past five years.

Earlier, on 1 January 2025, bus services were launched on the Gatta-Gardewada-Wangeturi route, followed by the Katezhar-Gadchiroli route on 27 April.

The successful launch of this transport link in Markanar signals a positive step towards normalcy, connectivity, and state presence in regions long isolated due to Naxal insurgency.