Bhubaneswar: The Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) will deploy 400 additional electric buses in five cities of Odisha under the PM eBus Sewa scheme.

These e-buses will be deployed in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur, said the Urban Development Department on Thursday.

“CRUT has emerged as a national benchmark in sustainable and citizen-centric public transportation, transforming urban mobility across Odisha through rapid expansion of electric mobility, technology-enabled commuter services, enhanced safety systems and inclusive workforce development,” it added.

Now, CRUT has 760 buses

Between 2024 and April 2026, CRUT significantly expanded its public transport network, taking its active fleet strength to 760 buses and accelerating Odisha's transition towards green mobility. Electric bus services were successfully launched in the capital region (Bhubaneswar & Cuttack), Sambalpur, Berhampur, Puri and Keonjhar.

To support the expanding fleet, CRUT has operationalised modern electric bus depots at Gadakana (Bhubaneswar), Naraj (Cuttack), Puri, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Keonjhar. Dedicated Electric Odisha Terminals at Chandrasekharpur and Master Canteen, along with 153 newly developed bus poles in Cuttack, have further strengthened public transport infrastructure across the state.

Highlighting the state government's commitment to modern and sustainable urban mobility, Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said, "The government is committed to providing safe, affordable, environmentally sustainable and technology-enabled public transport services to citizens across the state. CRUT's remarkable progress in electric mobility, digital innovation and commuter-centric services reflects our vision of creating modern urban centres where public transport becomes the preferred mode of travel. These achievements are contributing significantly towards building greener, smarter and more inclusive cities for future generations."

CRUT records daily ridership of 3 lakh passengers

As per the official data, CRUT now records an average daily ridership of more than 3 lakh passengers, making it one of the most successful public transport systems in the country. At the same time, digital transactions account for nearly 45 per cent of fare collections, reflecting increasing adoption of technology-enabled mobility solutions.

Emphasising the state's long-term vision for sustainable urban mobility, H&UD Department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee said, "Odisha is committed to building a public transport system that is sustainable, technology-driven, inclusive and accessible to every citizen. The rapid expansion of electric buses, digital mobility solutions and integrated transport infrastructure reflects our vision of creating future-ready cities that are environmentally responsible and citizen-centric. CRUT's achievements demonstrate how innovation and good governance can transform urban mobility while improving the quality of life of people across the State."

To enhance commuter convenience, CRUT has introduced a range of innovative digital initiatives. The Ama Bus ticketing platform has registered more than 90,000 ticket transactions and now offers online booking for the Chilika boating service at Satapada in Puri. Automatic Ticket Vending Machines installed at key locations have simplified ticket purchases, while WhatsApp-based ticket booking through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has made travel planning more accessible. The organisation has also expanded its digital pass ecosystem and introduced the National Common Mobility Card to promote integrated and cashless travel.

“Odisha is also set to enter a new era of clean transportation with the planned introduction of three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses under a grant from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy,” said the department.