Odisha Yatri Poised to Transform Urban Transport with Inclusive, Driver-Friendly Model

Bhubaneswar: To redefine urban mobility in the state, the Housing & Urban Development Department of Odisha held a high-level meeting to review the progress of Odisha Yatri, the state’s indigenous ride-booking platform. Chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, the meeting focused on enhancing accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity through this ambitious public mobility initiative.

Developed with a strong citizen-centric vision, Odisha Yatri aims to offer a reliable and budget-friendly alternative to private ride-hailing apps. One of its standout features is a zero-commission-for-life policy for drivers, allowing them to retain a greater share of earnings and promoting long-term sustainability for transport workers.

The platform also promises transparent pricing, robust safety features, and a user-friendly interface for both passengers and drivers. These innovations are designed to create a more equitable transportation system, especially for those underserved by existing platforms.

Addressing the digital divide, the state government is planning to roll out Odisha Yatri kiosks and help desks at major transit hubs and public spaces, enabling those without smartphones or internet access to easily book rides. These walk-in booking facilities are expected to ensure wider reach and true inclusivity.

The meeting also explored plans to evolve Odisha Yatri into a full-fledged mobility super app, integrating services like Ama Bus and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation’s (OTDC) ticketing platform. This unified interface will allow users to book buses, plan tourism itineraries, and hail rides—all through a single application, creating a connected and eco-friendly travel experience for citizens and tourists alike.

To support a smooth statewide rollout, the government will soon launch public awareness drives and driver onboarding campaigns, encouraging adoption and building trust among users and transport providers.

Officials present at the meeting included Transport Commissioner Amitav Thakur, BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, CRUT MD Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, CRUT GM Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Joint Director of Transport Tapan Mishra, among others. The review session took place at the 5th Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan.

With its blend of public ownership, technological innovation, and a deep focus on inclusivity, Odisha Yatri is more than just a ride-booking app—it is a model of sustainable and equitable urban mobility, aligning with the state’s vision for a digitally empowered and economically inclusive Viksit Odisha.