Modi Flags Off 100 Electric Buses in Bhubaneswar

Post by : Amit

Photo:Reuters

Bhubaneswar: In a momentous ceremony rich with symbolism and ambition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off 100 brand-new electric buses in the capital city of Odisha. The event, held amid much fanfare and in the presence of jubilant citizens and dignitaries, marked a significant milestone in the state’s push towards sustainable urban transportation under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) initiative.

The gleaming, sky-blue electric buses, standing in proud formation at the launch site, were not merely new additions to the city’s fleet—they represented Odisha’s resolute commitment to cleaner, quieter, and smarter mobility. With this rollout, the number of electric buses operating in the state capital has surged to around 150, while CRUT’s overall fleet strength now nears 510 vehicles.

‘E’ for Environment, Efficiency, and Expansion
The Prime Minister, addressing the crowd, underscored the transformational potential of electric public transport. “These emission-free, modern buses are not just a solution to pollution—they’re a symbol of a self-reliant and future-ready India,” he said, before formally flagging off the fleet. The buses will not only serve Bhubaneswar, but also extend their routes to major neighboring cities like Cuttack and Puri, strengthening regional connectivity in the process.

A senior CRUT official described the development as a response to growing public demand. “Ridership has seen a consistent spike. Electric buses allow us to serve more passengers without burdening the environment. It’s the perfect synergy of technology and sustainability,” the official noted.

Charging Forward: Infrastructure and Accessibility
This expansion builds upon the recent infrastructure developments that laid the foundation for electric mobility in the region. In April, a state-of-the-art charging station was inaugurated at Vani Vihar Square. Exclusive e-bus depots are being set up across urban centers to ensure smooth operations and optimal battery management.

CRUT’s "Ama Bus" service, which now covers 58 routes, has already seen its daily ridership swell past 2 lakh passengers in Bhubaneswar alone. With the arrival of the new buses, officials have confirmed that frequency on at least 15 high-demand routes will be increased, improving wait times and overall passenger convenience.

Moreover, plans are underway to introduce new routes, including proposed connections to Rourkela and Berhampur, as the state envisions a seamlessly connected electric transit network.

Viksit Odisha’: Green Goals in Action
Speaking at the event, Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra called the new fleet “a blueprint for a green, inclusive future.” He positioned the initiative as a key pillar of the state’s “Viksit Odisha” (Developed Odisha) vision—a roadmap that places clean energy and urban mobility at its core.

This move aligns closely with the Centre’s larger e-Mobility goals. Nationwide, India is embracing a sweeping transition to clean transport, with electric buses being deployed in several major cities, hydrogen-fuel pilots underway, and double-decker e-buses in the pipeline. Odisha, with its aggressive expansion and infrastructure push, is quickly emerging as a model state in this transition.

Looking Ahead: A Larger Electric Dream
CRUT has already electrified nearly 180 vehicles from its 560-strong fleet, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Under its own green initiative, the state aims to introduce 100 more electric buses soon. Additionally, Odisha will receive 400 e-buses through the central government’s PM e-Bus Sewa Yojana, further boosting the electric presence on city roads.

To accommodate the growing fleet, construction of new depots is actively underway in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Sambalpur, enabling better maintenance, overnight charging, and route optimization.

Public Response: Clean Commutes, Happy Citizens
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Many commuters say the quietness, cleanliness, and improved ride quality of e-buses make daily travel more pleasant—and give a sense of pride. “It’s great to see our city leading in green transport. These buses are modern and punctual. This is the future,” said Priya Das, a university student and regular Ama Bus commuter.

From the crowded streets of Bhubaneswar to the coastal charm of Puri and the urban sprawl of Cuttack, Odisha’s electric buses are quietly rewriting the story of Indian public transport—one route at a time.
As the wheels of progress turn silently but steadily, one thing is clear: Odisha isn’t just riding into the future. It’s driving it.

Bhubaneswar, EV Buses