Bhubaneswar: Marking Local Self-Governance Day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a series of digital initiatives by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) under the Housing and Urban Development department, highlighting a major step in Odisha’s urban mobility transformation.
These include the launch of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for Odisha, a WhatsApp-based ticketing service for Ama Bus, special digital ticketing discounts (10 per cent for all commuters, 15 per cent for women), and the introduction of a digital pass system with plans for expansion to other cities.
The event, attended by Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh and other dignitaries, underscored Odisha’s commitment to smart, seamless and inclusive public transport.
With this launch, Odisha became part of the national “One Nation, One Card” initiative through the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), introduced in collaboration with SBI and Airtel Payments Bank.
The card facilitates cashless, integrated travel across buses, e-rickshaws, metros and more, with an issuance fee of Rs 50, a re-issuance fee of Rs 200, and a validity of five years.
Ama Bus tickets can now be booked via WhatsApp by messaging +91 9078050218 on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, offering commuters a fast and user-friendly experience.
To promote digital adoption, CRUT has introduced a 10 per cent discount for all passengers and a 15 per cent discount for women.
Ticket booking is also available on the Odisha Yatri app, further enhancing travel convenience.
Commuters can avail NCMC cards at designated centres, including CRUT Head Office (Patia), BSABT & OD Terminal (Master Canteen), Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal, Puri Bus Stand, Rourkela Bus Stand, Ainthapali Bus Stand (Sambalpur) and Berhampur Railway Station.
These initiatives reaffirm the state government’s commitment to modern urban mobility, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Odisha.
PNN
