Odisha Launches 12 New Electric Buses, Unveils Advanced Ticketing and Passenger Assistance Initiatives

Bhubaneswar: Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises, flagged off 12 new electric buses under Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) at the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) today. Alongside this launch, he inaugurated Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) at key locations including BSABT, Master Canteen OD Terminal, and Puri Bus Stand, marking a step towards enhanced urban mobility in Odisha.

Addressing the media, Dr. Mahapatra expressed Odisha’s dedication to creating sustainable urban transportation. “This expansion symbolizes our commitment to building a sustainable future under the VIKSIT Odisha vision,” he stated. With the addition of these electric buses, CRUT’s fleet now comprises 95 electric buses operating across 97 routes, reinforcing Odisha’s push towards cleaner, greener public transport.

Two new routes were also introduced to enhance connectivity. Route 65 will link Master Canteen to Wonder La Water Park and Khordha New Bus Stand, while Route 66 will connect the Airport to Pathargadia/KISS College via Master Canteen.

The ATVMs, equipped with multiple payment options including cash, UPI, and coins, will streamline ticketing and provide detailed route information. “This initiative will simplify ticketing for passengers while enabling authorities to monitor usage and boost digital engagement,” said Dr. Mahapatra.

During his visit, Dr. Mahapatra also unveiled the logo for the Odisha Yatri app and launched a driver registration and passenger assistance kiosk at BSABT. “The Odisha Yatri app aims to empower drivers and enhance customer experiences, with a zero-commission model,” he explained, noting that CRUT is Odisha’s first service provider to obtain an aggregator license.

This initiative aligns with Odisha’s broader VIKSIT Odisha vision. Earlier, CRUT signed an MoU with Moving Tech (the parent company of Namma Yatri), ONDC, and the Odisha Road Safety Society (ORSS) to advance these digital initiatives.

The event was attended by several key officials, including Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary of the H&UD Department; Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner; and Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Managing Director of CRUT.