Bhubaneswar: The Housing & Urban Development Department and Public Enterprises Minister, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, visited the head office of Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) on Thursday in Bhubaneswar to review ongoing activities and the progress of urban mobility initiatives in the state.
During the visit, Dr. Mahapatra conducted a detailed review of CRUT’s operations, with particular focus on infrastructure expansion to eight additional towns, depot construction, and implementation of technology-driven services.
CRUT Managing Director Dr. N. Thirumala Naik briefed the Minister on the status of electric bus depots being developed in Naraj, Pokhariput, Chhend, Rourkela, Haldiapadar, Berhampur, and Sambalpur. He also outlined the proposed expansion of bus services to Keonjhar, Baripada, Angul, and Jharsuguda under the first phase of growth.
Dr. Mahapatra also visited the Command Control Centre, where he reviewed real-time bus tracking and passenger grievance redressal systems linked to Odisha Yatri and CRUT. He praised the integration of digital technologies that facilitate responsive and commuter-friendly operations.
Highlighting revenue protection, the Minister stressed strict measures against ticketless travel. He further recommended the introduction of Key Performance Indicator (KPI)-based incentives for bus crew, to be aligned with commuter feedback, to enhance service quality and staff motivation.
To strengthen driver professionalism, Dr. Mahapatra called for compulsory refresher training for all CRUT Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) drivers at the state’s four government driving institutes. He also underscored the importance of behavioral training modules to ensure courteous passenger interactions.
A significant part of the review centered on digitalization. The Minister urged CRUT to increase digital transactions to 50% by year-end and reviewed proposed interventions, including:
- Expansion of digital passes to more cities
- Introduction of National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC)
- Ticket booking via WhatsApp
- Installation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on buses
- Deployment of hydrogen fuel cell buses in collaboration with GRIDCO and NTPC
CRUT currently operates 560 Ama Buses—including 380 diesel and 180 electric vehicles—across 106 routes serving the Capital Region, Rourkela, Berhampur, and Sambalpur.
Dr. Mahapatra commended CRUT’s ongoing efforts in transforming public transport in Odisha and reiterated the government’s commitment to the Vikshit Odisha vision—focused on smart, green, and inclusive urban mobility.
CRUT General Managers Sanjay Biswal (O&M) and Sahadev Samadhia (P&A), along with senior officials, were present during the review meeting.
