Bhubaneswar: Reliable public transportation can significantly impact daily life, whether for students commuting to college, workers heading to their jobs, or families traveling to hospitals. Odisha’s commitment to enhancing these everyday travel experiences has been recognized with three national awards at the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026, which took place in Bhubaneswar on October 23-24.
The conference attracted a diverse group of policymakers, urban mobility experts, and leaders from various sectors, including representatives from government agencies and metro rail organizations. The event featured dedicated pavilions by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) and the German international cooperation agency GIZ, promoting a global exchange of ideas while highlighting Odisha’s cultural heritage. Notably, Bhubaneswar hosted both UMI and the National Urban Conclave (NUC) for the first time, with CRUT taking a leading role in coordination for the Government of Odisha. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with support from the state government, organized the events.
During the closing session on October 24, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal presented the awards. Among the dignitaries present were Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing and Urban Development in Odisha; Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department; and several senior officials from the Ministry.
Best Urban Transport Reforms and Implementation
Odisha received the Commendation Award for the State/UT with the Best Urban Transport Reforms and Implementation, recognizing its advancements in creating a connected public transport network. Currently, CRUT operates 770 buses across 138 routes in seven cities, serving approximately 350,000 passengers daily. These numbers represent essential journeys to schools, workplaces, markets, and hospitals, all reliant on accessible and affordable transportation.
The strategy extends beyond just bus services; the Ama Bus initiative integrates e-rickshaws, electric feeder services, and digital mobility solutions like Odisha Yatri to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity. Efforts such as digital ticketing and integrated planning aim to simplify the travel experience, while initiatives involving women as Guides, Sarathis, and Captains showcase expanding opportunities within the mobility workforce.
Excellence in Green Transport
Bhubaneswar, through Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT), received the Excellence Award for having the Best Green Transport Initiative. Over the past two years, the percentage of electric buses in the fleet has grown from around 20% to over 52%, with more than 50 routes now fully operated by electric vehicles. This shift contributes to quieter rides and improved air quality in urban areas.
Sustainability practices at CRUT also include green depots equipped with rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient facilities. The organization estimates that its solar energy initiatives help prevent approximately 200 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions annually while reusing nearly 50,000 kiloliters of treated water each year.
CRUT Pavilion Wins Best Exhibition
CRUT’s pavilion was awarded first place for Best Exhibition, successfully narrating Odisha’s public transport journey through an interactive visitor experience. The pavilion featured displays detailing the evolution of transportation across seven cities, showcasing digital ticketing, electric mobility options, a bus-driving simulator, and a mobility quiz. It also highlighted the contributions of women Guides, Sarathis, and Captains while presenting forward-thinking concepts such as transit-oriented development, regional mobility integration, AI-driven scheduling, and route optimization. Beyond these awards, the ultimate aim remains to enhance the everyday travel experiences of Odisha’s residents.
The accolades signify a broader initiative to create cleaner, better-connected, and more accessible daily travel options. The true impact of these efforts will ultimately be reflected at bus stops and in the daily commutes of the individuals served by CRUT.
While the three awards mark a significant achievement, the genuine measure of success is found in the experiences of commuters. CRUT is dedicated to ensuring journeys are convenient, seamless, affordable, and safe, connecting individuals not just to their destinations but also to education, employment, healthcare, shopping, and the myriad opportunities that urban areas provide. By enhancing public transportation and its integration with other mobility services, CRUT aspires to make cities more navigable and inclusive for all.
This recognition is attributed to the collective efforts of the Government of Odisha, the Housing and Urban Development Department, CRUT teams, and their mobility partners. The commitment to improving public transport will continue, striving to make every journey meaningful, connect lives to opportunities, and support the growth of Odisha’s cities through accessible, reliable, and sustainable public transport.
