Seventh Consecutive UMI Recognition for Odisha’s Urban Mobility Model
Bhubaneswar, November 9, 2025:
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), the public transport authority under the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, has added another feather to its cap by receiving the ‘Special Mention Award in Urban Transport’ at the 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Expo 2025, held in Gurugram, Haryana.
The award was presented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, under the category ‘Running Trophy for the State/UT which has implemented the Best Urban Transport Projects during the Previous Year’. This recognition highlights CRUT’s remarkable contribution to improving public mobility and promoting sustainable urban transport solutions across the state.
The award particularly acknowledges CRUT’s flagship initiatives — ‘Ama Bus’ and ‘Ama E-Ride’ — which have significantly enhanced accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability in the public transport system of Odisha. These initiatives aim to make urban commuting more inclusive, safe, and eco-friendly, reducing carbon emissions while promoting last-mile connectivity.
The honour was received by Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School & Mass Education Department and former Managing Director, CRUT; and Shri Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Managing Director, CRUT, during the valedictory session of the conference on Sunday.
Expressing his gratitude, Shri Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Managing Director, CRUT, said:
“This award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to improving urban mobility in Odisha. Initiatives like Ama Bus and Ama E-Ride have brought about a major transformation in how citizens travel, reflecting our focus on inclusivity, technology integration, and environmental consciousness.”
He further added that CRUT will continue to focus on innovation in transport management, digital ticketing systems, passenger safety, and expansion of e-mobility to ensure sustainable growth of Odisha’s transport ecosystem.
The Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo, organised annually by MoHUA, is one of the most prestigious platforms recognizing excellence and innovation in urban transport. Receiving this award for the seventh consecutive year underscores CRUT’s consistency, dedication, and leadership in reshaping the public transport narrative in India.
From its modern Mo Bus service to the environmentally conscious Ama E-Ride, CRUT has been at the forefront of promoting accessible, affordable, and green public transport in the Capital Region and beyond. The organisation’s focus on inclusivity—especially for women, senior citizens, and differently-abled commuters—has made Odisha a model state in urban mobility.
With this latest achievement, CRUT continues to inspire other states in India to adopt innovative, sustainable, and citizen-centric approaches in the field of urban transport.
