Bhubaneswar: Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Thursday announced that all buses operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) will gradually be converted into electric vehicles (EVs), stressing the state government’s commitment towards sustainable and cost-effective transportation.

The minister said the government is actively promoting the use of EVs in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to protect the environment and reduce fuel expenditure.

The Minister to start using EV from today

“From today, I will travel in an EV and use only one vehicle. Austerity should begin with oneself,” Jena said while speaking to reporters. He added that ministers in the state would also adopt similar measures, following the Chief Minister’s initiative to reduce his official convoy size by half.

Highlighting the benefits of electric mobility, the minister said EV adoption would help maintain ecological balance while ensuring long-term savings. He also stated that people should increasingly use public transport such as buses and trains whenever possible.

15 EV charging stations to come up in Bhubaneswar

Jena further informed that the government has already initiated discussions with EV charging infrastructure companies to ensure there is no shortage of charging stations across the state. Out of the proposed 100 EV charging stations, work on 30 has already been completed, he said, adding that 15 charging stations will come up in Bhubaneswar alone.

He also noted that manufacturers willing to shift towards EV production would receive government support and incentives to facilitate the transition.

The announcement came amid concerns over an apparent fuel shortage in parts of Bhubaneswar earlier in the day. Several petrol pumps across the city reportedly displayed “No Petrol, No Diesel” notices, triggering panic among commuters and vehicle owners, many of whom queued up at fuel stations fearing supply disruptions.

However, Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association General Secretary Sanjay Lath clarified that there was adequate stock of petrol and diesel available in the state and urged the public not to panic.