Odisha’s Public Transport Revolution: CRUT Expands Fleet, Technology and Green Mobility

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s public transport landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, with the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) emerging as one of the country’s leading examples of sustainable and technology-driven urban mobility through large-scale adoption of electric buses, commuter-focused services and inclusive transport initiatives.

Over the past two years, CRUT has expanded its footprint across multiple cities while strengthening infrastructure and accelerating Odisha’s transition towards cleaner mobility solutions. Between 2024 and April 2026, the organisation increased its operational fleet to 760 buses and introduced electric mobility services across new urban centres.

Electric bus operations began in Sambalpur and Berhampur in 2024 and gathered pace with the addition of 80 midi electric buses in the Capital Region, five electric double-decker buses, 35 electric buses in Puri and 100 electric buses in Naraj during 2025. In 2026, Keonjhar became the latest addition to Odisha’s electric public transport network with the rollout of 25 electric buses.

Supporting this expansion, CRUT has developed dedicated electric bus infrastructure across the state, including modern depots at Gadakana, Naraj, Puri, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Keonjhar. Dedicated Electric Odisha Terminals at Chandrasekharpur and Master Canteen, along with 153 newly developed bus poles in Cuttack, have further strengthened commuter accessibility.

The expansion has translated into increased public adoption. CRUT now records average daily ridership exceeding three lakh passengers, making it among the fastest-growing public transport systems in India. Digital payments have also become a significant part of operations, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of total fare collections.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the government remains committed to delivering safe, affordable, environmentally sustainable and technology-enabled public transport services while positioning public transport as the preferred mode of travel across Odisha’s urban centres.

Alongside fleet expansion, CRUT has introduced multiple digital services aimed at improving commuter convenience. The Ama Bus ticketing platform has crossed 90,000 ticket transactions and now facilitates online booking for Chilika boating services at Satapada. Additional initiatives include Automatic Ticket Vending Machines, WhatsApp-based ticket booking through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), expanded digital pass services and adoption of the National Common Mobility Card.

Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, said Odisha’s transport strategy is focused on building an accessible, inclusive and future-ready public mobility system through technology integration and sustainable infrastructure.

Looking ahead, CRUT is preparing for its next phase of growth under the Government of India’s PM eBus Sewa Scheme, which will add 400 electric buses across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur. Odisha is also planning to introduce three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Beyond city bus operations, CRUT has expanded into integrated mobility through Odisha Yatri, the state’s zero-commission ride-hailing platform for cabs and auto-rickshaws. Operating in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Sambalpur, the platform has enabled 16,779 drivers to earn more than ₹11.65 crore without commission deductions.

Passenger safety and service reliability have also been strengthened through an integrated Command and Control Centre with GPS-enabled monitoring and vehicle tracking systems. A dedicated women’s safety module featuring SOS alerts, emergency response mechanisms and live location sharing has been introduced to improve commuter confidence.

CRUT has also focused on workforce development, with over 6,000 crew members trained since 2024. In a step towards gender inclusion, 20 women Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers received specialised training to operate electric buses.

The organisation’s efforts have earned national recognition, including the award for “City with the Best Public Transport System” at the Urban Mobility India Awards 2024 and a Special Mention at the Urban Mobility India Awards 2025.

With continued investments in clean mobility, digital innovation and commuter-centric services, CRUT is positioning Odisha at the forefront of India’s urban transport transition.