Pic Credit: https://x.com/CRUT_BBSR
Bhubaneswar, June 19: Odisha is set to significantly scale up its sustainable urban transport network with the addition of over 400 electric buses across five major cities under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system.
The new electric buses will be deployed in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to promote clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transportation. The initiative is expected to strengthen urban mobility while reducing carbon emissions across key cities.
CRUT Managing Director Mohd Siddique Alam said the state will also introduce three hydrogen fuel cell buses with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The pilot programme marks an important step towards exploring advanced clean fuel technologies in public transport.
Since its inception in 2018, CRUT has expanded its fleet to 760 buses as of April 2026, significantly improving public transport connectivity across Odisha. Electric bus services were first introduced in Sambalpur and Berhampur in 2024, followed by further expansion in 2025 to enhance intra-city mobility.
To support the growing fleet, modern bus depots have been developed at Gadakana, Naraj, Puri, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Keonjhar. Infrastructure improvements also include dedicated EV terminals at Chandrasekharpur and Master Canteen, along with the installation of 153 new bus poles in Cuttack to improve passenger accessibility.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra reiterated the government’s commitment to providing safe, affordable, and technology-driven public transport. He said CRUT’s expansion reflects Odisha’s vision of building greener, smarter, and more sustainable cities.
The initiative is expected to improve last-mile connectivity, enhance commuter convenience, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability in urban Odisha.
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