Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards sustainable urban mobility, the Odisha government has decided to phase out all diesel-run Ama Buses and replace them entirely with electric vehicles (EVs). Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra announced that only electric buses will operate under the Ama Bus service in the coming days.
The minister said that the existing diesel buses will be gradually scrapped, while new electric buses will be introduced in a phased manner. The transition aims to reduce vehicular pollution and promote eco-friendly public transportation across urban and semi-urban areas of the state.
The announcement comes a day after a review meeting on Ama Bus operations, chaired by the minister, where several reforms were discussed to strengthen the public transport system. The meeting focused on improving passenger safety, enhancing inclusivity, and expanding services to cover more regions.
Officials said the shift to electric buses aligns with the state government’s broader commitment to sustainable development and clean energy adoption, while also improving the overall efficiency and reliability of public transport.
