By: Pravakar Sahoo
Bhubaneswar: In another fruitful move by Double Engine government, capital city Bhubaneswar is set to witness a transformative shift in public transport as 150 electric buses to be introduced under ‘Ama Bus’ programme very soon.
The Government of Odisha has announced a Rs 305 crore investment to revolutionize the state’s urban mobility landscape. This visionary initiative will introduce 150 electric buses (e-buses) in Bhubaneswar and expand the successful Ama-Bus service to eight more cities, marking a significant step toward greener, smarter, and more sustainable urban environments.
Recently 40 E-Buses have been added to the existing fleet of 560 buses under CRUT including 180 E-Buses , flagged off by Minister H&UD Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra .These buses will play a crucial role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint by providing a clean energy alternative. Unlike conventional diesel-powered buses, electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an eco-friendly choice that improves air quality and public health.
Odisha, like many other regions across India, is grappling with rapid urbanization, which brings with it challenges such as traffic congestion, rising pollution, and increased pressure on public transport systems.
In response, the state government has turned to electric mobility as a solution to mitigate these concerns. This strategic investment aims to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, reduce road congestion, and improve the efficiency of urban transport networks.
The transition to electric buses supports India’s national goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The project also aligns with Odisha’s broader goal of supporting climate action and sustainable development.
The key advantages of electric buses also go beyond environmental impact. They are more cost-effective, with lower operational costs thanks to reduced fuel consumption and minimal maintenance. The buses are also designed to offer a superior passenger experience with comfortable seating, spacious interiors, and digital ticketing systems that enable cashless transactions. Commuters will also benefit from real-time tracking and information systems, allowing them to plan their journeys more efficiently.
The Ama-Bus service, operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), has become a model of reliability and convenience, offering passengers an affordable and tech-enabled mode of public transportation. The government plans to expand this initiative to eight additional cities across Odisha.
The expansion of Ama-Bus aims to connect more urban and semi-urban areas, improving accessibility to essential services like education, healthcare, and employment.
The government is now focusing on technological advancements such as: Integrated Ticketing Systems: Commuters will be able to seamlessly switch between different modes of public transport using a single digital ticket, simplifying travel and reducing delays.
AI-Powered Traffic Management: Using artificial intelligence, the state will optimize route planning, reduce travel times, and enhance fuel efficiency, ensuring smoother commutes.
Data-Driven Decision Making: By utilizing commuter data, the government aims to continuously improve the service’s efficiency, frequency, and route optimization, ensuring that the transport system evolves in line with the needs of the people.
Apart from the 150 buses to be introduced by Odisha government, the Central Government has recently approved 400 electric buses for Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa Scheme, according to Minister Housing & Urban Affairs.
This is commitment of the double engine government to ensure that the public transport system is not only efficient but also scalable and adaptable to future urban challenges.
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