With a fleet of 760 buses, growing electric mobility infrastructure and digital innovations, CRUT outlines its progress in urban transportation across Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has expanded its public transport network across Odisha through the introduction of electric buses, technology-enabled commuter services, enhanced safety systems and workforce development initiatives.
According to official information released on Thursday, the electric bus service, which was launched in Sambalpur and Berhampur in 2024, increased its active fleet strength to 760 buses by April 2026, supporting Odisha’s transition towards green mobility.
During 2025, CRUT inducted 80 midi electric buses in the Capital Region, five electric double-decker buses, 35 electric buses in Puri and 100 electric buses in Naraj. In 2026, Keonjhar became part of Odisha’s electric mobility network with the introduction of 25 electric buses.
To support the growing fleet, modern electric bus depots have been operationalised 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, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra 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.”
CRUT now records an average daily ridership of more than three lakh passengers. Digital transactions account for nearly 45 per cent of fare collections, indicating increasing adoption of technology-enabled mobility solutions.
Emphasising Odisha’s vision for urban mobility, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee 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 improve commuter convenience, CRUT has introduced several 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.
CRUT has also expanded its digital pass ecosystem and introduced the National Common Mobility Card to promote integrated and cashless travel.
Md. Siddique Alam, Managing Director, CRUT, said the focus over the past two years has been on providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable mobility solutions. He said expansion of the electric fleet, strengthening of digital services and initiatives for transport workers have been important milestones in CRUT’s journey.
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 introduce three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses under a grant from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Beyond city bus operations, CRUT has expanded its services through Odisha Yatri, a zero-commission ride-hailing platform for cabs and auto-rickshaws operating in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Sambalpur. According to the data shared, 16,779 drivers have earned more than ₹11.65 crore in commission-free income through the platform.
Passenger safety and operational efficiency have been strengthened through an integrated Command and Control Centre that enables real-time monitoring and tracking of buses using GPS and Vehicle Location Tracking systems. CRUT has also introduced a women’s safety module featuring SOS activation, emergency response integration, live location sharing and rapid support mechanisms.
More than 6,000 crew members have undergone training and capacity-building programmes since 2024. In addition, 20 women Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers received specialised training to operate electric buses. A KPI-based performance recognition system has also been introduced for frontline staff.
CRUT’s initiatives have received recognition from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It 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 urban transport initiatives.
