In a groundbreaking move towards gender-inclusive urban transport, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has welcomed back 20 skilled women drivers from an intensive electric vehicle (EV) bus training program in Pune.
These trailblazers, all holding valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licenses, are now poised to undergo final local practice sessions before hitting the roads as dedicated operators of Odisha’s AMA Bus services.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Government of Odisha, underscores a commitment to fostering women-led mobility and sustainable livelihoods in the public sector. Selected for their expertise and potential, the drivers completed a rigorous 14-day advanced training at the EKKA Mobility plant in Pune from February 2 to 14, 2026. Sponsored and technically supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the program emphasised hands-on skills in EV bus handling, safety protocols, advanced driving techniques, and modern urban bus operations.
Upon their return to Odisha, the women will embark on a 15-day local driving practice and route familiarisation program. This phase includes real-world assessments to ensure seamless integration into CRUT’s operations. Only after successfully clearing this evaluation will they be formally inducted as an all-women crew, driving AMA Buses and inspiring a new era of inclusivity in public transport.
Usha Padhee, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, highlighted the broader impact of the program. “This is not just about training women to drive buses. It is about enabling leadership, dignity, and equal opportunity in public service,” she stated. “These women will inspire many others to step forward.”
The effort aligns with Odisha’s vision for a safe, inclusive, and future-ready urban mobility ecosystem. By empowering women in traditionally male-dominated roles, CRUT aims to enhance public transport reliability while promoting environmental sustainability through EV adoption. This milestone not only boosts employment opportunities for women but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in building equitable transport systems.
As urban centres grapple with congestion and pollution, initiatives like this demonstrate how targeted training can drive social and ecological progress. With these women at the helm, Odisha’s buses are set to roll towards a more empowered tomorrow.
