THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 18, 2026

The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has emerged as a national benchmark in sustainable and citizen-centric public transportation, transforming urban mobility across Odisha through the rapid expansion of electric mobility, technology-enabled commuter services, enhanced safety systems, and inclusive workforce development.

Between 2024 and April 2026, CRUT significantly expanded its public transport network, taking its active fleet strength to 760 buses and accelerating Odisha's transition towards green mobility. Electric bus services were successfully launched in Sambalpur and Berhampur in 2024, followed by the induction 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 joined Odisha's growing electric mobility network with the introduction of 25 electric buses.

To support the expanding fleet, CRUT has operationalised modern electric bus 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 public transport infrastructure across the state.

Highlighting the Government's commitment to modern and sustainable urban mobility, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Hon'ble Minister, Housing & Urban Development, said, "The Odisha Government is committed to providing safe, affordable, environmentally sustainable and technology-enabled public transport services to citizens across the State. CRUT's remarkable progress in electric mobility, digital innovation and commuter-centric services reflects our vision of creating modern urban centres where public transport becomes the preferred mode of travel. These achievements are contributing significantly towards building greener, smarter and more inclusive cities for future generations."

The extensive modernisation initiatives have translated into growing public confidence in the system. CRUT now records an average daily ridership of more than three lakh passengers, making it one of the most successful public transport systems in the country. At the same time, digital transactions account for nearly 45 per cent of fare collections, reflecting the increasing adoption of technology-enabled mobility solutions.

Emphasising the state's long-term vision for sustainable urban mobility, Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, said, "Odisha is committed to building a public transport system that is sustainable, technology-driven, inclusive and accessible to every citizen. The rapid expansion of electric buses, digital mobility solutions and integrated transport infrastructure reflects our vision of creating future-ready cities that are environmentally responsible and citizen-centric. CRUT's achievements demonstrate how innovation and good governance can transform urban mobility while improving the quality of life of people across the State."

To enhance commuter convenience, CRUT has introduced a range of innovative digital initiatives. The Ama Bus ticketing platform has registered more than 90,000 ticket transactions and now offers online booking for the Chilika boating service at Satapada. Automatic Ticket Vending Machines installed at key locations have simplified ticket purchases, while WhatsApp-based ticket booking through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has made travel planning more accessible. The organisation has also expanded its digital pass ecosystem and introduced the National Common Mobility Card to promote integrated and cashless travel.

Reflecting on CRUT's growth trajectory, Md. Siddique Alam, Managing Director, CRUT, said, "The transformation of CRUT over the last two years has been driven by a singular focus on providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable mobility solutions to citizens. Crossing three lakh daily ridership, expanding our electric fleet, strengthening digital services and empowering transport workers are significant milestones in our journey. As we prepare for the next phase of growth with PM eBus Sewa and hydrogen fuel cell buses, our commitment remains focused on delivering world-class public transport services for Odisha."

The next phase of expansion is already underway. Under the Government of India's PM eBus Sewa Scheme, CRUT is preparing to deploy 400 additional electric buses across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur. Odisha is also set to enter a new era of clean transportation with the planned introduction of three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses under a grant from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Beyond city bus operations, CRUT has broadened its impact through Odisha Yatri, the state's pioneering zero-commission ride-hailing platform for cabs and auto-rickshaws. Operational in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Sambalpur, the platform has empowered 16,779 drivers to collectively earn more than ₹11.65 crore in commission-free income, ensuring greater economic benefits for transport service providers.

Passenger safety and operational efficiency have also received a major boost through the Integrated Command and Control Centre, which enables real-time monitoring and tracking of buses using GPS and Vehicle Location Tracking systems. CRUT is further strengthening commuter safety through a dedicated women's safety module featuring SOS activation, emergency response integration, live location sharing, and rapid support mechanisms.

Human resource development remains a key pillar of CRUT's success. Since 2024, more than 6,000 crew members have undergone training and capacity-building programmes. In a pioneering initiative to promote gender inclusion in public transport, 20 women Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers received specialised training to operate electric buses, opening new opportunities for women in the transport sector. To recognise excellence among frontline staff, CRUT has also introduced a KPI-based performance recognition system linked to service quality and operational performance.

CRUT's transformative efforts have earned national recognition from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The organisation was honoured as the "City with the Best Public Transport System" at the Urban Mobility India Awards 2024 and received a Special Mention at the Urban Mobility India Awards 2025 for implementing outstanding urban transport initiatives.

With a steadfast commitment to green mobility, technological innovation, commuter convenience, safety, and social inclusion, CRUT continues to set new benchmarks in public transportation and is steadily steering Odisha towards a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable urban future.