Bhubaneswar: In a significant move toward gender inclusion and safer public transit, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has initiated a pioneering program to induct women drivers into its Ama Bus service. As the flagship public transport provider for the Government of Odisha, CRUT is prioritizing women’s participation to create a more reliable and secure commuting environment.
Under the first phase of this initiative, 20 women drivers holding valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licenses have been selected for advanced professional training. The group departed for Pune today to undergo specialized instruction at the EKKA Mobility plant, an original equipment manufacturer. This 14-day high-level training program, scheduled from February 2 to February 15, 2026, is being conducted with technical and financial support from GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
The curriculum is specifically designed to master the operation of modern electric buses, focusing on advanced driving techniques, safety protocols, and operational excellence. By equipping women with these technical skills, the state aims to set a new standard for urban transport while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Prior to their departure, the trainees were felicitated at Kharabela Bhawan by Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, and Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department. The leaders encouraged the participants to serve as role models for the community and emphasized that their involvement would boost public confidence and passenger safety.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials including CRUT Managing Director Shri Sanjay Biswal and General Manager Shri Sahadev Samadhia, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to skill development and women’s empowerment. The trainees are expected to return on February 17, 2026, ready to lead a future-ready, inclusive public transport system for the people of Odisha.