Bhubaneswar, February 23: In a decisive push towards sustainable urban transformation, the Odisha Budget 2026–27 has earmarked Rs 421 Crore for Urban Mobility, paving the way for a significant expansion of electric bus services and technology-driven public transport systems across the State.
Hailing the Budget as transformative and forward-looking, Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Monday said, “The Rs 421 Crore allocation for Urban Mobility reflects our Government’s unwavering commitment to people-centric development. AMA Bus has already redefined public transport in Odisha, and this expansion will take it to the next level.”
By scaling up electric buses and strengthening integrated mobility solutions, we are not only improving connectivity but also building cleaner, greener and more inclusive cities for the future, he said.
The allocation signals a bold step in Odisha’s growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to clean, efficient and citizen-centric mobility, he said.
Anchored by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Odisha’s flagship public transport service—AMA Bus—has emerged as a national benchmark in electric mobility adoption.
Currently serving nearly 3.3 lakh commuters daily, CRUT operates 290 electric buses, with close to 40 percent of ticketing transactions conducted digitally—reflecting strong commuter confidence in smart and seamless services. AMA Bus has significantly transformed everyday commuting by providing reliable, safe and affordable connectivity across major urban centres.
Building on this momentum, the Budget allocation will facilitate the induction of 600 additional electric buses under various urban mobility initiatives.
Further strengthening the State’s green transport ecosystem, 400 new electric buses will be deployed across five cities under the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative. This large-scale expansion is expected to substantially enhance intra-city connectivity, ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions across urban areas.
The Government is also scaling up Ama E-Ride services to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity, seamlessly integrated through the Odisha Yatri platform. This integrated digital ecosystem will promote route optimization, cashless transactions and enhanced commuter convenience, further modernizing Odisha’s urban mobility landscape.
Echoing this vision, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, stated “This investment marks a strategic step towards building resilient and future-ready urban centres. Our focus remains on scaling electric mobility, deepening digital integration and ensuring that public transport continues to be affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable.”
With sustained investments in electric mobility, digital innovation and infrastructure development, Odisha is steadily consolidating its position as a leader in sustainable urban transport—driving inclusive growth while advancing its climate and development commitments. (EOM)
