Bhubaneswar wins green mobility award, CRUT pavilion adjudged best exhibition

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 26, 2026

Odisha has won three national honours for its urban transport initiatives, with the state's efforts to promote sustainable mobility, strengthen last-mile connectivity and improve public transport earning recognition at the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 held here, officials said.

The state received a Commendation Award for Best Urban Transport Reforms and Implementation, while Bhubaneswar, represented by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), won the Excellence Award for the City with the Best Green Transport Initiative. CRUT's pavilion was also adjudged the best exhibition at the two-day event held on October 23 and 24.

The awards were presented by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal at the valedictory session on October 24, in the presence of Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and senior officials from the Centre and the state government.

The recognition comes as CRUT expands its public transport network to make daily commuting more accessible, affordable and environmentally sustainable. The agency currently operates 770 buses across 138 routes in seven cities, carrying around 3.5 lakh passengers every day.

From students travelling to educational institutions and employees commuting to workplaces to patients visiting hospitals, the expanding network serves a wide range of daily mobility needs, officials said.

The state's transport strategy extends beyond conventional bus services, with Ama Bus operations integrated with e-rickshaws, electric feeder services and digital mobility platforms such as Odisha Yatri to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.

Digital ticketing and integrated mobility planning are also being pursued to make commuting more convenient. The participation of women as Guides, Sarathis and Captains in the public transport system reflects efforts to widen employment opportunities in the sector.

Bhubaneswar's green transport initiative was recognised for its growing shift towards electric mobility. According to CRUT, electric buses now account for more than 52 per cent of its fleet, compared with around 20 per cent two years ago, while more than 50 routes are operated entirely by electric buses.

The transition is aimed at reducing transport-related emissions and improving the urban commuting experience through quieter journeys and cleaner air.

CRUT has also incorporated sustainability measures at its depots, including rooftop solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, treated-water reuse and energy-efficient facilities. The agency estimates that solar power generation helps avoid around 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions annually, while nearly 50,000 kilolitres of treated water are reused every year.

The third honour went to CRUT's pavilion, which showcased the evolution of public transport across seven cities through interactive displays and technology-driven exhibits. Digital ticketing, electric mobility demonstrations, a bus-driving simulator and a mobility quiz were among the attractions.

The pavilion also highlighted the role of women in public transport operations and presented future mobility concepts, including transit-oriented development, regional transport integration, artificial intelligence-enabled scheduling and route rationalisation.

For the first time, Bhubaneswar hosted both the UMI Conference and the National Urban Conclave, bringing policymakers, international experts, urban mobility specialists and representatives of government agencies and public and private sector organisations to the state capital.

The events were organised by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with the support of the Odisha government. Dedicated pavilions by CRUT and the German international cooperation agency GIZ showcased mobility initiatives alongside elements of Odisha's cultural identity.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, MoHUA Secretary Satinder Pal Singh, Joint Secretary Praveer Kumar and CRUT Managing Director Md. Sadique Alam were among the other officials present at the award ceremony.

The three honours mark a milestone in Odisha's efforts to strengthen public transport, but the broader objective remains to improve the everyday travel experience of commuters through reliable, safe, affordable and accessible services.

CRUT aims to further integrate buses with other mobility options and expand sustainable transport infrastructure to connect citizens with education, employment, healthcare and other urban opportunities, officials said.