During the ongoing winter session of the Odisha Assembly, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced that the government will introduce electric buses (EV buses) in six new cities to strengthen sustainable urban transport.
Currently, the state operates 670 buses, including 220 EV buses. Moreover, these buses run across 113 routes covering 1,399 km, ensuring connectivity in key urban areas. Mahapatra stressed that the government will expand services to cities where demand is higher, thereby improving accessibility and reducing carbon emissions.
The Minister also highlighted that online ticketing has boosted revenue collection significantly. In fact, ticket revenue increased by 35% due to discounts and digital adoption. Furthermore, he noted that the expansion of EV buses aligns with Odisha’s broader vision of planned urban growth and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Officials confirmed that the rollout in six new cities will include route optimisation, charging infrastructure, and passenger-friendly facilities. Consequently, the initiative is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut pollution, and promote cleaner mobility across the state.
