Odisha is set to make a substantial leap toward eco-friendly public transport by adding 600 new electric buses to its fleet, announced Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra. This initiative is part of the state’s broader goal of deploying around 1,000 electric buses to meet escalating commuter demand.
Out of the 600 buses, 200 will be directly procured by the Odisha government, while the remaining 400 are expected to be provided under a central government scheme. The deployment will be phased: starting with 25 buses in Sambalpur, followed by expansion to Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul. Operations will be managed by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) authority under its “Aam Bus” initiative, which aims to deliver safe, affordable, and green public transport across the region.
Currently, Odisha operates 450 electric buses, securing its rank as the fifth-leading state nationally in electric bus adoption. The addition of 600 new units represents a monumental effort to accelerate this transition toward sustainable urban mobility.
This push is closely aligned with national objectives to reduce urban pollution while modernizing transit infrastructure. Complementary enhancements—including setting up charging infrastructure at depots and terminals, training staff, and introducing smart ticketing systems—are envisioned to ensure smooth, commuter-friendly operations.
By expanding its e-bus fleet significantly, Odisha is moving closer to building smarter, greener cities where public transportation is accessible, efficient, and environmentally conscious. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to blending technology, policy, and ecology, laying the groundwork for a cleaner and more sustainable urban future.