Odisha’s AMA Bus Model Shines at UMI Summit; State to Host 2026 Edition

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s efforts to build a modern, sustainable and inclusive public transport system received national recognition as the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) earned a Special Mention Award at the 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Summit. Announcing the achievement, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said that Odisha will host the 19th UMI Summit in the last week of October 2026, marking a significant milestone for the state in the mobility sector.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Mohapatra noted that public transport in Odisha is undergoing a major transformation through the AMA Bus programme. He shared that 670 AMA buses are currently operating across the state, including a fleet of 220 electric buses that reflects Odisha’s commitment to cleaner and greener mobility. He added that electric buses will soon be introduced in six more cities to further enhance urban connectivity.

The Minister highlighted that AMA buses presently run on 113 routes covering 1,399 kilometres, catering to thousands of commuters daily. The state government plans to steadily expand the network, prioritising cities with rising passenger demand to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity and improved ease of travel.

Dr. Mohapatra also emphasised the steps taken to promote ridership and digital adoption. A 10% discount on online ticket bookings and a 15% concession for women passengers have made public transport more affordable and attractive. These initiatives have contributed to a 35% increase in ticketing revenue, signalling growing commuter trust and increased usage of public transport services.

With Odisha set to host the UMI 2026 Summit, the state is poised to play a more prominent role in shaping the national mobility landscape. The growing fleet of e-buses, commuter-friendly services and an expanding route network underline the state’s commitment to a smarter, greener and more inclusive transportation future.