Rising in the National League
Odisha has carved a notable place in India’s electric mobility map, ranking fifth nationwide in the adoption of electric buses. According to Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, the state is set to dramatically expand its e-bus fleet, signaling a decisive shift toward cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive urban transport.
Currently operating 450 e-buses, Odisha plans to introduce over 500 additional vehicles, pushing its fleet strength beyond 950 buses in the coming months. The initiative, the Minister said, aligns with the state’s broader mission of reducing emissions, cutting air pollution in urban areas, and offering commuters modern, affordable alternatives to private transport.
Odisha’s Standing Among States
The Government of India reports that 14,329 e-buses are running in cities nationwide. The leading contributors are Delhi (3,564), Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850). Odisha’s tally of 450 places it ahead of several neighbors, including West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46).
This achievement, Mahapatra emphasized, is the result of Odisha’s proactive adoption of central schemes and its consistent investment in sustainable urban mobility.
Central Support Driving Growth
Two key national initiatives—PM-eBus Sewa and PM E-DRIVE—have been crucial in accelerating the state’s progress. By leveraging financial and technical assistance from these programs, Odisha has managed not only to expand its fleet but also to modernize its transport ecosystem.
“These schemes are designed to make public transport both affordable and environmentally sustainable,” Mahapatra noted, adding that the state has been quick to utilize these opportunities to scale up operations.
Infrastructure and Commuter-Friendly Features
Fleet expansion is being matched with robust infrastructure development. According to H&UD Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, charging stations are being installed at depots and major terminals, ensuring uninterrupted services.
Additionally, the state is rolling out smart mobility features such as QR-code ticketing, National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), and app-based booking platforms. These innovations aim to improve commuter convenience, shorten waiting times, and encourage more citizens to switch from private vehicles to public transit.
Expanding Beyond Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
At present, most e-buses serve the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, but the next phase will take services to other urban centers. Cities including Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul are expected to be integrated soon. By extending e-bus operations across multiple regions, the government seeks to ensure that eco-friendly mobility is not confined to major cities but benefits a wider spectrum of people.
Broader Impacts: Jobs, Energy, and Climate
The transition to e-mobility is more than an environmental measure. It is linked to India’s climate commitments and contributes to the global push for renewable energy and sustainable cities.
For Odisha, this expansion brings additional dividends:
· Green job creation in fleet maintenance, charging infrastructure, and operations.
· Integration of renewable energy sources into transport.
· Urban modernization, supporting smart city initiatives.
Thus, the move strengthens both the state’s environmental goals and its economic resilience.
A Forward-Looking Journey
Odisha’s rise to fifth place in India’s electric mobility rankings reflects more than just numbers—it signals a transformative shift in urban transport policy. With plans to nearly double its e-bus fleet, expand services to multiple cities, and roll out commuter-friendly digital systems, the state is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mobility in eastern India.
By effectively combining central support, state-level planning, and modern infrastructure, Odisha is ensuring that cleaner, smarter, and more reliable public transport becomes a reality. If the momentum continues, the state’s efforts could serve as a model for other regions, while delivering long-term benefits of cleaner air, healthier cities, and a greener future for its citizens.
(With agency inputs)
