Odisha has emerged as a frontrunner in India’s green mobility drive, ranking fifth in the country for electric bus adoption. With 450 e-buses already in operation, the state government now plans to expand the fleet to over 1,000 within the next year.
Currently, Delhi leads the rankings with 3,564 electric buses, followed by Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850). Odisha’s growing fleet has placed it ahead of states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
The expansion is being spearheaded by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which has deployed e-buses in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri. Future phases will extend services to Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul.
To support the rising fleet, the state is developing charging infrastructure, smart ticketing systems, and crew training programmes. New payment options such as QR codes, NCMC cards, and app-based booking are also being introduced to enhance passenger convenience.
“Odisha’s rapid strides in e-mobility reflect our commitment to the environment and the people,” said Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra. Principal Secretary Usha Padhee added that combining technology with green infrastructure will make urban mobility more sustainable and commuter-friendly.
The initiative marks a significant step in Odisha’s journey toward sustainable public transport, reinforcing its role in India’s transition to clean mobility.