Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department of Odisha has started preparing for the release of “Odisha Yatri,” a game-changing mobility app, in a major step to improve inclusive and sustainable urban transportation. The state’s overarching goal of “VIKSIT Odisha,” which aims to empower drivers and enhance customer experiences throughout the state, is in line with this effort. To make this idea a reality, an MOU has been inked between the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), and Moving Tech, the parent company of Namma Yatri. By creating an open, interoperable network for transactions in products and services, the ONDC, a Government of India project, seeks to democratize digital commerce.
The Odisha Yatri app will give drivers a platform that guarantees they keep their profits while offering a smooth, practical, and reasonably priced travel experience. Removing the need for middlemen and ensuring direct payment to drivers will function on a zero-commission basis, boosting drivers’ income and transparency. Fair, open rates and reasonable prices will thus benefit customers.
Odisha Yatri will incorporate a variety of modes of transportation, such as sedans, XL taxis, and minicabs with and without air conditioning, and will eventually grow to include intercity trips, rentals, and scheduled services. To ensure inclusion, the platform will also accommodate unique needs, including additional baggage, pet-friendly travel, and cars that are accessible to those with disabilities. With the overwhelming support of driving groups and unions, more than 4,000 drivers have already enrolled.
Principal Secretary Usha Padhee presided over a preliminary meeting where officials presented the strategic plan for implementing the app. Founded on the ideas of openness and community-driven creativity, Odisha Yatri seeks to advance sustainable urban transportation and improve last-mile connectivity. To guarantee safe travel for all users, the app will also work with regional law enforcement and transportation agencies to put in place top-notch safety measures. Additionally, Odisha Yatri would boost tourism by including tickets for famous locations like the state museum and offering transportation options for dignitaries traveling to Odisha for occasions like the January “Prabasi Bharatiya Diwas.”
Senior representatives from the departments of housing and urban development, commerce, and transportation, as well as Transport Commissioner Amitav Thakur, attended the meeting. Under the VIKSIT Odisha strategy, Odisha Yatri represents a critical turning point in the state’s quest to become a leader in digital innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive urban mobility.
