Gandhinagar: Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), known for its technology-driven and citizen-friendly services through Mo Bus and Mo-E Ride, has been awarded the ‘City with the Best Public Transport System’ at the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo. Organized annually by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the prestigious award was presented by Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar to Odisha’s Minister of Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mahapatra emphasized the importance of sustainable and accessible urban mobility in Odisha, remarking, “This accolade is not merely a trophy; it symbolizes our collective commitment to building a sustainable future under VIKSIT Odisha’s vision. We have implemented innovative technologies, expanded our network, and prioritized safety and accessibility for passengers.”
In a move to further enhance urban mobility, CRUT signed an agreement with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to develop ‘Odisha Yatri,’ a transformative mobility app focused on improving both driver empowerment and customer experience. The app aligns with Odisha’s VIKSIT Odisha vision, aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive transport ecosystem.
Since its establishment six years ago, CRUT has emerged as a lifeline for cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Berhampur, and Sambalpur. A revamped Mo Bus app has contributed significantly to digital ticketing, with digital transactions now accounting for over 25% of ticket sales—one of the highest rates in the country.
To enhance operational efficiency, CRUT became India’s first transit agency to implement automatic scheduling, reducing costs while optimizing schedules. The new electric bus depot in Gadakana has been constructed following green building standards, reinforcing CRUT’s commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives for future fleet expansion.
With continued efforts to prioritize green technology, CRUT is poised to lead in delivering smart, reliable, and sustainable public transportation for Odisha’s citizens.