Chhatrapur: In a major push towards environment-friendly urban transport and improved connectivity, electric bus services have been launched on eight major routes in Ganjam district, connecting key tourist destinations, religious sites and important public institutions.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena inaugurated the services at Chhatrapur on Saturday. A total of 23 electric buses will operate in the first phase, with two more buses to be added subsequently, taking the fleet strength to 25.
Of the eight routes, five buses will operate between Chhatrapur and Maa Shyamalai Temple at Hinjili, four between Chatrapur and Rambha, and four to Duduma Colony in Brahmapur. Four buses will serve Gopalpur through two separate routes, with two buses on each route. Two buses each will operate to Sonapur beach, Maa Taratarini Temple and SUM Hospital at Regidi.
The routes will also connect important locations, including Sundarpur, Tanganapalli, Taratarini Chhak, Chamakhandi, Mandiapalli, Gopalpur Junction, Brahmapur Railway Station, Randa and NIST University.
Speaking on the occasion, Jena said the introduction of electric buses would give a new direction to the urban transport system in Ganjam district. Students, working professionals, traders, women, senior citizens and other commuters would benefit from safe, affordable, punctual and comfortable public transport, he said.
Improved connectivity to Gopalpur and Sonapur beaches, Maa Shyamalai Temple and Maa Taratarini Peeth would also promote tourism, boost local trade and generate economic activities, the Minister added.
The programme was attended by District Planning Board Chairman and Khallikote MLA Purnachandra Sethi, Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, Chhatrapur Municipality Chairman G. Papa Rao, senior social worker Saroj Sabat, Ganjam RTO Debashis Swain, Chhatrapur Municipality Executive Officer Prasanna Kumar Das and other public representatives and officials.
Chatrapur CRUT Manager Shiba Prasad Rao and Brahmapur CRUT Manager Akshaya Behera coordinated the programme.
