Bhubaneswar: Continuing its effort to achieve sustainable mobility in Odisha, the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) is set to deploy 400 additional electric buses in five cities of the state under the PM eBus Sewa scheme.
Officials said these e-buses will be deployed in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur, said the Urban Development Department on Thursday.
Between 2024 and April 2026, CRUT expanded its fleet to 760 buses, accelerating Odisha’s shift toward green mobility. Electric bus services now operate in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Keonjhar, and Naraj. Modern depots and terminals at Gadakana, Naraj, and Puri support the growing network.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the government aims to provide safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transport. He praised CRUT’s progress in electric mobility and commuter-centric services.
CRUT records over three lakh daily passengers, with digital payments contributing nearly 45 per cent of fare collections. The Ama Bus platform, ticket vending machines, and WhatsApp-based booking through ONDC have simplified travel.
Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted Odisha’s vision for sustainable, technology-driven, and inclusive transport. She said the expansion of electric buses and digital systems reflects the state’s commitment to future-ready cities.
Speaking on expansion plans, Managing Director, Md. Siddique Alam noted that CRUT’s success stems from its focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability. He announced plans to deploy 400 more electric buses under PM eBus Sewa and introduce hydrogen fuel cell buses.
CRUT’s Odisha Yatri platform has empowered over 16,000 drivers with commission-free income. The Command and Control Centre ensures real-time monitoring and women’s safety features.
Recognised nationally, CRUT won the “City with the Best Public Transport System” award in 2024 and a special mention in 2025, officials added.
