Odisha’s CRUT Wins Top Honors for Best Public Transport System at Urban Mobility India 2024
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – October 27, 2024
In a significant recognition of its innovative and citizen-friendly public transport initiatives, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), an initiative of the Odisha government, has been awarded the title of ‘City with the Best Public Transport System’ at the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo. This prestigious award was presented by Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, to Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister, Department of Housing & Urban Development, Odisha.
The UMI Conference and Expo, organized annually by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. During his address at the conference, Dr. Mahapatra emphasized that this accolade is a testament to Odisha’s commitment to sustainable development under the vision of VIKSIT Odisha.
“This award is not just a trophy; it symbolizes our collective effort towards building a sustainable future. Our focus on enhancing public transport has revolutionized how citizens commute in Odisha. We have integrated innovative technologies, expanded our network, and prioritized safety and accessibility for all passengers,” Dr. Mahapatra stated.
Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Mobility
Earlier in the day, CRUT signed a significant agreement with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in the presence of Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, IAS, Managing Director, CRUT. This partnership aims to launch ‘Odisha Yatri’, a transformative mobility app designed to empower drivers and improve customer experiences across the state.
Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Mobility
Established six years ago, CRUT operates Mo Bus and Mo E-Ride services, which have become the backbone of public transport in cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Berhampur, and Sambalpur. The revamped Mo Bus App and promotional offers have significantly boosted digital ticketing, with over 25% of total transactions now being digital—a figure among the highest in the country.
CRUT is also pioneering automatic scheduling in India’s transit sector, optimizing bus schedules to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. The newly constructed electric bus depot at Gadakana is designed according to green building norms, reflecting CRUT’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, CRUT plans to prioritize green technologies for future fleet expansions. The introduction of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) is set to further enhance user experience.
“This recognition is a milestone in our journey towards providing sustainable, smart, convenient, and reliable transportation for all,” said Dr. Naik. “We envision a future where CRUT is synonymous with excellence in public transport.”
