Odisha has emerged as a frontrunner in eastern India’s push towards sustainable urban transport, with 450 electric buses currently in operation and plans to expand the fleet to over 1,000 within the next year, according to state transport officials. This positions the state fifth nationwide in electric bus adoption, ahead of neighbouring eastern states including West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
The state’s focus on e-mobility is driven by environmental sustainability, urban convenience, and citizen-centric planning. Officials highlighted that Odisha’s rapid adoption of electric buses reflects a commitment to creating cleaner, greener, and more equitable cities. By leveraging technological integration, including smart ticketing systems and advanced fleet management tools, the state is aiming to make public transport both efficient and environmentally responsible. The rollout is being spearheaded by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which has expanded services beyond Bhubaneswar to key cities such as Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul in a phased manner. Currently, e-buses operate in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, serving daily commuters and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based transport. Officials emphasised that the expansion plan incorporates the creation of charging infrastructure at depots and major bus terminals to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Training programmes for drivers and operational staff are being conducted to ensure adherence to safety standards and to maximise energy efficiency. Experts noted that such capacity-building efforts are critical for integrating new technology into traditional urban transport frameworks. Nationally, India has 14,329 electric buses, with Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh leading adoption. Odisha’s progress signifies the state’s proactive approach to sustainable mobility, outpacing several eastern peers and contributing to a reduction in urban air pollution. Officials highlighted that combining green infrastructure with public transport expansion not only addresses climate goals but also improves accessibility for citizens across socioeconomic groups.
The state’s e-bus strategy aligns with broader efforts to achieve zero net carbon emissions, while creating gender-neutral and inclusive urban transport systems. By integrating technology, renewable energy solutions, and public engagement, Odisha is setting a benchmark for other states seeking to balance growth with environmental stewardship. Experts believe that Odisha’s model could provide insights for similar initiatives nationwide, where urbanisation pressures demand innovative and sustainable solutions. With the upcoming fleet expansion, Odisha is poised to further strengthen its leadership in clean urban mobility.
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