Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Odisha has emerged as a frontrunner in sustainable urban transport, securing the fifth position in India in the adoption of electric buses (e-buses). With 450 e-buses already on the roads and plans to cross the 1,000 mark in the coming years, the state is rapidly expanding its green mobility ecosystem to make cities cleaner, smarter, and more commuter-friendly.
Across the country, 14,329 e-buses are currently in operation, with Delhi (3,564), Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850) leading the pack. Odisha, ranked just behind these big states, has taken decisive steps to integrate sustainable and cost-effective electric mobility in urban areas. In the eastern region, Odisha has significantly outpaced neighbouring states—West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46).
The Central Government is giving states financial support through programs like PM-e Bus Service and PM-e-Drive. In addition to actively utilizing this assistance, Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) is getting ready to launch an ambitious service extension to Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul. Charging stations are being installed at depots and terminals to guarantee smooth operations, while smart ticketing methods, such as app-enabled booking, NCMC cards, and QR-based payments, are being implemented. In order to provide services that are safe, dependable, and focused on commuters, CRUT is also investing in crew training and capacity expansion.
Minister of Housing & Urban Development, Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, highlighted Odisha’s green vision: “Odisha’s rapid strides in e-mobility reflect our commitment to both the environment and the people. The expansion of e-buses is not just about technology—it is about providing dignified, affordable, and eco-friendly travel to every citizen. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, our endeavour is to build urban centres that are cleaner, greener, and sustainable for future generations.”
Principal Secretary, H&UD, Usha Padhee, stressed the importance of integrated planning. “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. The enthusiastic response of commuters shows that Odisha is moving in the right direction—towards a future where public transport is the preferred choice.”
