Bhubaneswar: Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) is establishing a transformative national model for gender inclusion and empowerment within Odisha’s public transport sector. The leadership of Shri Mohammed Sadique Alam at Capital Region Urban Transport(CRUT) reflects a profound commitment to the dignity and progress of women in Odisha.
On International Women’s Day, CRUT MD Shri Sadique Alam presence among the workforce was not merely ceremonial but a genuine gesture of appreciation. By personally engaging with women crew members, he sought to truly understand the daily realities and operational hurdles they face, moving beyond administrative duty to offer authentic support and recognition for their vital role in public transport.
Under his guidance, the well being of female employees has become a priority through the establishment of a weekly grievance hearing mechanism. These sessions, held every Monday and personally reviewed by the Managing Director, ensure that every woman’s voice is heard and her concerns are addressed with urgency.
To further guarantee their safety and peace of mind while on duty, the enforcement team has been made mobile, providing a protective presence that allows these women to perform their roles with confidence and security.
Shri Sadiq Alam views women as the very heart of a compassionate and citizen centric transport system. His vision is visible in the transformative E-Ride programme and the inclusive recruitment of guides and sarathis, where barriers are being dismantled to create space for women, transgender individuals, and those from vulnerable backgrounds.
By championing initiatives like the heavy motor vehicle training for women bus drivers, he is fostering a culture where leadership and skill are defined by dedication rather than gender.
His efforts ensure that as the wheels of the Ama Bus network turn, they carry forward a legacy of empowerment, safety, and heartfelt care for every woman who serves and travels within the Capital Region.
Through the Ama Bus network and its associated urban mobility programs, CRUT is systematically dismantling traditional gender barriers by integrating women into roles historically dominated by men. This strategic shift not only modernizes the state’s transit landscape but also creates sustainable, dignified livelihood opportunities for a diverse workforce.
The organization’s commitment is further reflected in its ambitious recruitment and training targets. Currently, 499 women serve as bus guides, making up 35 percent of the conductor workforce, while the E-Ride program provides last-mile connectivity through a fleet of e-rickshaws driven exclusively by women, transgender individuals, and HIV+ individuals.
Pushing these boundaries even further, CRUT recently launched a Women Bus Driver Training Programme. Following intensive Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) training in Pune, these trailblazing women are preparing to operate electric mini-buses as part of all-women crews.
Beyond employment, CRUT has implemented comprehensive safety measures for female commuters, including CCTV surveillance, emergency panic buttons, and a 15 percent discount on digital ticketing.
By combining technological innovation—such as the Odisha Yatri App’s safety features—with a deep-seated commitment to social equity, CRUT is ensuring that urban mobility in Odisha is not only efficient but also safe, inclusive, and deeply empowering for all.