Bhubaneswar: With a fleet of 450 e-buses already operational on the roads and future plans to cross the 1,000 mark in the coming years, Odisha has positioned itself as a frontrunner in sustainable urban transport, securing the fifth position in India in the adoption of electric buses (e-buses). The state is rapidly expanding its green mobility ecosystem to make cities cleaner, smarter, and more commuter-friendly. Nationwide, 14,329 e-buses are currently in operation, with Delhi (3,564), Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850) leading the tally.
Odisha follows closely, ahead of several large states, with significant progress in integrating sustainable and cost-effective mobility solutions. In the eastern region, Odisha has far outpaced its neighbours—West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46). The Central government, through schemes such as PM-e Bus Service and PM-e Drive, is providing financial assistance to states. Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has been proactive in utilising this support while preparing to expand services to Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul. To ensure smooth operations, charging stations are being installed at depots and terminals, while smart ticketing systems—including QRbased payments, NCMC cards, and app-enabled booking—are being introduced.
CRUT is also investing in crew training and capacity building to deliver safe, reliable, and commuter-centric services. “Odisha’s rapid strides in e-mobility reflect our commitment to both the environment and the people,” said Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. “The expansion of e-buses is not just about technology—it is about providing dignified, affordable, and eco-friendly travel to every citizen, he stated. “Our endeavour is to build urban centres that are cleaner, greener, and sustainable for future generations,” the Minister said. Echoing this vision, the department’s principal secretary Usha Padhee said, “E-bus services have become the backbone of modern urban transport in Odisha. By combining technology, smart ticketing, and green infrastructure, we are making mobility both convenient and sustainable.”
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Currently, e-buses in Odisha primarily serve commuters in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, where affordable AC rides are encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transport. This growing acceptance demonstrates how green initiatives can align with public convenience and comfort.
As Odisha continues to expand its e-bus fleet, the state is also aligning with NITI Aayog’s national target of 50,000 e-buses, ensuring that it contributes substantially to India’s climate commitments while meeting the transport needs of its growing urban population. With sustained efforts from CRUT, strong policy backing from the state government, and central support, Odisha is well on its way to becoming a model state for green mobility in India.
