The Government of Odisha, led by Principal Secretary Smt Usha Padhee of the Housing & Urban Development Department, convened a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of Odisha Yatri, the state’s homegrown ride-booking platform designed to offer affordable, accessible, and inclusive transportation solutions to citizens.
Conceived with a bold, citizen-first vision, Odisha Yatri boasts standout features such as a zero-commission-for-life model for drivers, ensuring fairer earnings and dignity while providing commuters with a cost-effective alternative to private aggregators. Transparent pricing, advanced safety mechanisms, and an intuitive booking interface further elevate the riding experience for both users and drivers.
To address accessibility barriers, particularly for digitally underserved communities, the government plans to launch physical kiosks and ride-booking counters in high-traffic public areas and transit hubs. These kiosks aim to make ride-booking services available to those without smartphones, thus ensuring no citizen is left behind in the state’s digital mobility mission.
Looking ahead, the review highlighted plans for Odisha Yatri to transform into a comprehensive mobility super app. Future integrations with Ama Bus services and OTDC’s tourism ticketing system will make Odisha Yatri a one-stop solution for booking local buses, planning sightseeing tours, and hailing rides, marking a significant leap toward seamless and sustainable travel.
As part of its state-wide expansion strategy, the platform will roll out a robust awareness and onboarding campaign to foster trust, encourage adoption, and spotlight its unique features. The initiative reflects Odisha’s vision of becoming a digitally empowered and economically inclusive state, setting new benchmarks for urban mobility in India.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Transport Commissioner Amitav Thakur, BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, CRUT MD Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, and others, underlining the state’s commitment to this transformative project.
