In a significant move towards greener and more efficient public transportation, the Odisha Cabinet has greenlit a comprehensive project for the procurement, operation, and maintenance of 200 midi electric buses.
The initiative, valued at Rs 9,152.56 crore, will span 10 years under a Gross Cost Contract model, aiming to revolutionise urban mobility in six key cities across the state.
The project is divided into two packages. Under Package VIII, 100 buses will be allocated to Keonjhar (25 buses), Baripada (25 buses), and Berhampur (50 buses). Package IX will deploy another 100 buses in Angul (25), Jharsuguda (25), and Sambalpur (50). This deployment will include the establishment of essential infrastructure, such as bus charging stations, depot construction, and robust operation and maintenance systems.
This ambitious scheme is set to enhance urban development by providing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly transport options. It aligns with the broader vision of ‘Vikshit Odisha’, ‘Vikshit Bharat’, and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, contributing to the goal of a fully developed state by 2047.
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) authority, which already operates 670 buses and serves over three lakh passengers daily, will oversee the project. Commuters in these regions can look forward to improved connectivity and reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based vehicles.
At its core, the initiative focuses on elevating urban transport facilities while curbing pollution and carbon emissions.
By promoting sustainable public transport, Odisha is taking proactive steps to foster an environmentally friendly ecosystem, ensuring long-term benefits for residents and the planet.
