Odisha Yatri App Crosses 2 Lakh Trips, Generates Over ₹2.5 Crore Income for Drivers in Bhubaneswar Alone

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Yatri app, launched by the State Transport Department just five months ago, has emerged as a game changer in the state’s urban mobility sector, providing drivers with a commission-free platform and ensuring safer, more transparent transportation for commuters. Since its launch in January, the app has facilitated over 2 lakh trips and enabled more than 10,000 registered drivers to collectively earn over ₹2 crore—without having to share a single rupee in commission.

In Bhubaneswar alone, drivers have earned more than ₹2.5 crore, while in Cuttack, the figure stands at ₹5.9 lakh. The reason behind this remarkable shift, officials say, lies in the app’s zero-commission model, safety assurances, and rising public trust in the government-run service.

“Crossing the 2 lakh trip mark is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament to the trust the people of Odisha have placed in a mobility solution they helped shape,” said Smt. Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport, Housing and Urban Development Department. “Odisha Yatri is aimed at neutrality, cleanliness and safety. We are just getting started.”

Unlike private cab services, which deduct a substantial portion of drivers’ earnings as commission, the Odisha Yatri app allows drivers to retain their full income. This has made the platform increasingly attractive, especially as drivers across other platforms continue to face steep deductions and fluctuating pricing norms.

The public has also responded positively to the initiative. So far, 1.61 lakh passengers have availed rides through the app in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with the state capital accounting for the highest number of bookings. The app itself has been searched by more than 10.5 lakh users since its launch, reflecting growing awareness and demand.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Odisha Yatri system. The app is closely monitored by the police, and swift assistance is assured in case of any inconvenience or emergency. Unlike many private cabs where passengers often face booking cancellations or inflated late-night charges, Odisha Yatri rides are known for their reliability and standard fare structure.

Currently, over 1.24 lakh users are registered in Bhubaneswar, and over 37,000 in Cuttack. Encouraged by the strong response, the Transport Department plans to expand the app’s services to other districts across Odisha and eventually gain traction at the national level.

In a major upcoming development, the government is working to integrate domestic ambulance services into the Odisha Yatri platform. This integration is expected to curb patient exploitation by unregulated operators and offer a more affordable and accountable system for emergency medical transport.

With its steady momentum, the Odisha Yatri app is not only reshaping urban transport in the state but is also empowering drivers and safeguarding passengers—establishing itself as a model of inclusive, tech-enabled governance.