THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 26, 2026

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has decided to undertake a Citizen-Centric Compliance Audit on Urban Mobility across 101 cities in the country under its Annual Action Plan for 2026–27. From Odisha, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been selected for inclusion in this significant proposed audit exercise aimed at strengthening urban transport governance and service delivery.

In this connection, an Entry Conference on Urban Mobility was convened under the chairpersonship of Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan, Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, bringing together key stakeholders from multiple departments and urban bodies.

Principal Accountant General (Audit-I), Odisha, Subu R, Deputy Accountant General Balakrishna, along with members of the audit team, attended the meeting and actively participated in the deliberations.

During the conference, the audit team delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the audit criteria, applicable legal and policy framework, existing urban transport systems, identified key service areas, proposed methodology, and the timelines envisioned for the conduct of the audit. The Office of the Accountant General also formally requested the nomination of a nodal officer from the Housing & Urban Development Department and sought full cooperation from all concerned departments, agencies, and urban local bodies to ensure the smooth, transparent, and effective execution of the audit process.

Addressing the meeting, ACS Padhee assured complete cooperation and all necessary administrative support for the successful and timely completion of the audit exercise. She further advised departmental officers and participating agencies to proactively place their issues, challenges, and operational concerns before the audit team so as to facilitate constructive engagement, practical recommendations, and a deeper understanding of the evolving urban mobility ecosystem in the twin cities.

The meeting also engaged in detailed deliberations on the proposed timelines, procedural modalities, and coordination mechanisms for the smooth and efficient conduct of the audit.

Among others, Director, Municipal Administration, Arindam Dakua; Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Chanchal Rana; senior officers from Bhubaneswar Development Authority, CRUT, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, Smart City Limited, Commerce & Transport Department, State Transport Authority, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, Home Department, and other stakeholder agencies were present and actively participated in the proceedings.