Bhubaneswar: An expanded urban mobility network and enhanced commuter safety took center stage in Odisha as Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mahapatra chaired a comprehensive review meeting to chart the future course of the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT).
CRUT Managing Director Shri Md.Sadique Alam outlined the deliberations, which focused on expanding bus services, accelerating electric mobility infrastructure, deploying advanced automotive safety technologies, and implementing robust revenue-generation models to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of public transit in the state.
During the session, the Minister reviewed the operational progress of CRUT’s first phase of expansion, which covers Kendujhar, Baripada, Angul, Jharsuguda, and Balasore. Transit officials reported a steady increase in daily ridership for the newly launched electric bus services in Kendujhar, which now commutes approximately 1,300 passengers every day. Looking ahead, the department outlined a strategic roadmap for the second phase of expansion, targeting the districts of Jajpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Bhadrak, and Balangir.
To support this expanding footprint, the execution of the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme was thoroughly evaluated. Minister Dr.Mahapatra directed officials to expedite the remaining civil construction and electrical connectivity works, emphasizing that upcoming depots and electric mobility charging networks must be made operational within strict timelines.
Addressing fiscal sustainability, the meeting highlighted CRUT’s successful diversification into non-fare box revenue streams. By leveraging advertising rights across buses, bus queue shelters, poles, and commercial spaces within depot complexes, CRUT managed to increase its non-fare box revenue share to 22.05% in 2025. Future transit infrastructure will be systematically integrated with commercial real estate models to maximize these alternative funding sources.
Commuter safety emerged as a primary focus area, with the Minister calling for the rapid deployment of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Fatigue and Monitoring Systems (DFMS) across the existing fleet. Officials confirmed that all newly inducted electric buses are being pre-equipped with these ADAS-enabled safety frameworks.
The review also celebrated milestones in social inclusivity and workforce development. The Minister lauded CRUT’s progressive stance on gender inclusion, specifically pointing out the deployment of female heavy motor vehicle drivers for the electric bus fleet in Keonjhar.
Furthermore, a proposed memorandum of understanding with Sri Sri University was highly commended. This collaboration will introduce psychometric evaluations and structured behavioral and safety training programs for CRUT Captains, aiming to institutionalize professional excellence and safe driving habits across Odisha’s public transit system.