Ganjam electric buses have begun operating across eight routes from Chhatrapur, with the Odisha government saying the new services will improve connectivity for students, workers and visitors while supporting tourism and local businesses.
State commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena launched the service from Chhatrapur in Ganjam district on Saturday. A total of 25 buses were announced for the rollout, with 23 eco-friendly buses inaugurated in the first phase and two more scheduled to be inducted subsequently.
The services will connect Chhatrapur with Maa Shyamala, Hinjili, Rambha, the temporary bus stand in Berhampur, Gopalpur beach, Maa Tara Tarini, Sonepur and Regidi Chowk. The allocation includes five buses for the Chhatrapur-Hinjili route, four for Rambha, four for the temporary bus stand in Berhampur and two each for Gopalpur beach, Maa Tara Tarini, Sonepur and Regidi Chowk.
The route plan links administrative and commercial locations with religious and tourism destinations. Gopalpur beach, Maa Tara Tarini and Rambha are among the locations expected to benefit from more direct public transport access, while the Berhampur connection is intended to support daily movement into the district’s major urban centre.
Jena said the services would benefit students, working people and visitors. He also said the electric bus network would boost tourism, support local business and improve the economic condition of local residents. The statement did not specify the service frequency, fares, charging arrangements or the operator responsible for day-to-day operations.
The rollout places Chhatrapur at the centre of a new electric-bus network covering both regular commuter routes and visitor-oriented destinations. For passengers, the immediate change will depend on how consistently buses are deployed across the eight routes and whether the additional two vehicles are inducted as planned.
The launch was attended by Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Nayak and Ganjam collector Keerthi Vasan V. The district administration and transport authorities are expected to oversee the implementation of the new services, including the subsequent induction of the remaining two buses.
