Bhubaneswar: Odisha has received three national honours for its urban transport initiatives at the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026, recognising the State’s efforts in public transport reforms, green mobility and innovative presentation of transport services.
The awards were presented by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal at the valedictory session of the conference held in Bhubaneswar on October 24. The two-day event, organised by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with the support of the Odisha Government, brought together policymakers, transport experts and representatives of government agencies and mobility organisations.
The Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) received the commendation award for Odisha in the category of State/UT with Best Urban Transport Reforms and Implementation. Bhubaneswar, represented by CRUT, won the Excellence Award for the City with the Best Green Transport Initiative. CRUT’s pavilion also secured first prize in the Best Exhibition category.
Public transport network expands across seven cities
CRUT currently operates 770 buses across 138 routes in seven cities, carrying around 3.5 lakh passengers daily. Its services connect people to workplaces, educational institutions, markets, hospitals and other destinations.
The transport system combines Ama Bus services with e-rickshaws, electric feeder services and digital mobility platforms such as Odisha Yatri to improve first- and last-mile connectivity. Digital ticketing and integrated planning are also being used to make public transport more accessible and convenient.
CRUT has also created opportunities for women in the mobility sector through roles such as Guides, Sarathis and Captains, broadening their participation in public transport operations.
Electric buses account for over half of CRUT’s fleet
Bhubaneswar’s green transport award recognises the expansion of electric mobility in the city’s public transport system. According to CRUT, electric buses have increased from around 20 per cent of its fleet two years ago to more than 52 per cent, with over 50 routes operating entirely with electric buses.
CRUT has also incorporated sustainability measures at its depots, including rooftop solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, treated-water reuse and energy-efficient facilities.
The organisation estimates that its solar power generation helps avoid around 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions annually. Nearly 50,000 kilolitres of treated water are reused each year, according to CRUT.
CRUT pavilion showcases transport innovations
CRUT’s pavilion at the conference won first prize in the Best Exhibition category for presenting Odisha’s public transport initiatives through interactive displays and demonstrations.
The pavilion showcased the evolution of public transport across seven cities, alongside digital ticketing, electric mobility and a bus-driving simulator. A mobility quiz and displays highlighting women’s participation in transport services were also among its features.
It also presented future mobility concepts, including transit-oriented development, regional transport integration, artificial intelligence-enabled scheduling and route rationalisation.
The three awards came as Bhubaneswar hosted both the UMI Conference and the National Urban Conclave 2026 for the first time. CRUT played a central role in hosting and coordinating the events on behalf of the Odisha Government, with dedicated pavilions by CRUT and the German international cooperation agency GIZ showcasing transport initiatives and Odisha’s cultural identity.
The recognition highlights the State’s ongoing efforts to expand public transport, improve connectivity between different modes of travel and promote cleaner mobility. The focus, however, remains on translating these initiatives into more convenient, affordable, safe and accessible journeys for commuters across Odisha.
