The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been recognized at the prestigious National Public Bus Transport Excellence Awards 2023-24, organized by the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU).
OSRTC received the Winner Award in the Non-Traffic Revenues category and was named Runner-Up in the Digital Transactions category for the Mofussil region with a fleet size of up to 4000 buses. The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Jacaranda, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, acknowledging OSRTC’s efforts in enhancing revenue generation and adopting digital practices to modernize public transport in Odisha.
A distinguished delegation, including senior officials from OSRTC and representatives from its strategic partner, Palladium, attended the event. With a fleet of almost 2,081 buses, OSRTC plays a vital role in Odisha’s public transport network, ensuring connectivity across 93% of Gram Panchayats and 132 towns. Over 1,400 buses provide last-mile connectivity in rural areas, while more than 600 buses facilitate inter- and intra-district travel, linking key cities, towns, and major transit hubs. OSRTC serves a daily ridership of 3.86 lakh passengers, with women and students accounting for over 60% of commuters.
Recognizing the importance of digital integration, OSRTC has made significant strides in financial transparency and commuter convenience through digital transactions. In FY 2023-24, OSRTC generated 25.95% of its gross revenue solely through digital payment modes. The corporation has introduced online advance ticket booking through a mobile application and website, along with QR code installations at ticket counters and strategic locations to enable seamless, cashless transactions. These initiatives have enhanced operational efficiency and provided passengers with a modern, convenient travel experience.
Speaking on the achievement, a senior official of OSRTC said, “These awards highlight OSRTC’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovative strategies to create a more efficient and accessible public transport system in Odisha. By expanding digital payment options and strengthening last-mile connectivity, we aim to further improve commuter experience and operational transparency by making a 100% digital payment system. Also, many initiatives are being taken to enhance the non-traffic revenue share to make the operations more sustainable.”
Palladium, serving as OSRTC’s Project Monitoring Unit, has played a key role in the strategic development and transformation of OSRTC in its efforts to establish a modern and secure public transportation infrastructure.
Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium, added, “We are proud to support OSRTC in its journey towards a digitally integrated transport system. Our collaboration has focused on deploying data-driven insights and innovative technology to improve accessibility, reliability, and efficiency in public transport. OSRTC’s success underscores the power of strategic partnerships in transforming urban mobility and building smarter cities.”
As OSRTC continues to integrate cutting-edge solutions into its operations, the organization remains committed to redefining public transport in Odisha. Through a combination of digital transformation and enhanced service outreach, OSRTC is focused on building a future-ready, inclusive, and sustainable mobility network that meets the evolving needs of passengers across the state.
