Bhubaneswar: In a landmark step towards sustainable urban transportation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the state’s first-ever Double-Decker bus service, along with Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) buses and Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) E-Bus services. The event, held at the Mo Bus Depot in Gadakana, Bhubaneswar, marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts under the VIKSIT Odisha vision to create cleaner, greener, and more efficient mobility solutions.
These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and reduce carbon emissions in the Capital Region. A total of five Double-Decker buses, ten HOHO buses, and 25 SJTA E-Buses will operate across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Khordha.
- Double-Decker Buses will provide an express service, connecting major cities in the region and offering a unique experience to residents and visitors.
- HOHO Buses will serve key tourist destinations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, enabling tourists to explore the cities at their own pace.
- SJTA E-Buses will facilitate eco-friendly travel for pilgrims, tourists, and residents, particularly in and around Puri.
The SJTA E-Buses, designed with ramps for wheelchair accessibility, are a step towards inclusive public transport. During the launch, the Chief Minister personally handed over the first two tickets to wheelchair users and accompanied them on board, underlining the state’s commitment to inclusivity.
Affordable Travel Options
- Double-Decker bus fares range between ₹30 and ₹170, offering an affordable express travel experience.
- HOHO buses offer a one-day pass at ₹200, granting unlimited travel across the HOHO network. As an introductory offer, the ₹50 card fee for the HOHO service will be waived until January 31, 2025.
Following the launch, the Chief Minister, accompanied by cabinet ministers and other dignitaries, traveled on a Double-Decker bus to Janata Maidan. Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, handed the first ticket to the Chief Minister, symbolizing the project’s operational commencement.
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has reiterated its dedication to enhancing Odisha’s urban transit system with innovative and citizen-friendly initiatives.
Prominent figures present at the event included School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gonda, Member of Parliament Aparajita Sarangi, MLAs Babu Singh and Prasanta Jagdev, DC-cum-ACS Anu Gurg, Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Usha Padhee, and CRUT Managing Director Dr. N. Thirumala Nayak.
