Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, was convened to evaluate the progress of Odisha Yatri, the state’s homegrown ride-booking platform designed to provide affordable, inclusive, and accessible transportation for all. The app is poised to transform urban mobility in Odisha with its citizen-focused approach.
Odisha Yatri stands out with its innovative zero-commission-for-life policy for drivers, ensuring they retain higher earnings while offering commuters a budget-friendly alternative to private ride-hailing services. The platform emphasizes transparent pricing, enhanced safety measures, and an intuitive booking system, delivering a seamless experience for both passengers and drivers.
To bridge the digital divide, the government plans to establish Odisha Yatri kiosks and dedicated counters in high-traffic public spaces and transit hubs. These walk-in booking points will cater to individuals without smartphones or app access, ensuring inclusivity in Odisha’s digital transportation ecosystem.
The meeting also outlined ambitious plans to transform Odisha Yatri into a comprehensive mobility super app. Upcoming integrations include Ama Bus services and the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation’s (OTDC) ticketing platform, enabling users to book local buses, plan tourism itineraries, and hail rides through a single interface. This holistic approach aims to deliver connected, convenient, and eco-friendly travel options for residents and visitors alike.
To support the app’s statewide rollout, a robust awareness campaign and driver onboarding initiative will be launched to boost adoption and build public confidence in Odisha Yatri’s unique offerings.
With its commitment to inclusivity, innovative features, and public ownership, Odisha Yatri is redefining urban mobility in India. More than just an app, it represents a bold step toward a digitally empowered, economically inclusive, and sustainable Viksit Odisha.
The meeting, held at the 5th Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan, was attended by Transport Commissioner Amitav Thakur, BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, CRUT MD Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, CRUT GM Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Joint Director of Transport Tapan Mishra, and other key officials.
