Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Odisha has emerged as a frontrunner in sustainable urban transport, ranking fifth in India in adopting electric buses (e-buses). With 450 e-buses already operating and plans to surpass 1,000 in the coming years, the state is rapidly building a green mobility ecosystem to make cities cleaner, smarter, and more commuter-friendly.
Across India, 14,329 e-buses are currently on the roads, with Delhi (3,564), Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850) leading the list. Odisha, placed just behind these large states, has taken decisive steps to integrate sustainable and cost-effective electric mobility in urban centres. In eastern India, Odisha has far outpaced neighbouring states—West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46).
The Central Government, through schemes like PM-e Bus Service and PM-e-Drive, is providing financial assistance to states. Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has been proactive in leveraging this support, while preparing for expansion of services to Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul.
To ensure seamless operations, charging hubs are being set up at depots and terminals, while smart ticketing systems—including QR-based payments, NCMC cards, and app-enabled booking—are being introduced. Alongside, CRUT is investing in crew training and capacity building to deliver safe, reliable, and commuter-centric transport.
Minister of Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushnachandra Mohapatra, highlighted Odisha’s green vision: “Odisha’s rapid strides in e-mobility reflect our commitment to both the environment and the people. The expansion of e-buses is not just about technology—it is about providing dignified, affordable, and eco-friendly travel to every citizen. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, our mission is to build urban centres that are cleaner, greener, and sustainable for future generations.”
Principal Secretary, H&UD, Smt Usha Padhee, stressed the importance of integrated planning. “E-bus services have become the backbone of modern urban transport in Odisha. By combining technology, smart ticketing, and green infrastructure, we are making mobility both convenient and sustainable. The enthusiastic response of commuters shows Odisha is moving in the right direction—towards a future where public transport is the preferred choice.”
At present, e-buses in Odisha primarily serve commuters in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, where affordable AC rides have encouraged citizens to switch from private to public transport. This growing acceptance highlights how green mobility initiatives can align with comfort and convenience.
As Odisha continues to expand its e-bus fleet, the state is also aligning with NITI Aayog’s national target of 50,000 e-buses, ensuring it contributes substantially to India’s climate goals while meeting the transport needs of its urban population.
With sustained efforts from CRUT, strong policy backing from the State Government, and central support, Odisha is on track to become a model state for green mobility in India.
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