Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off as many as 100 electric buses (e-buses) under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), that provides affordable public transport services in several urban areas of Odisha.

With the induction of 100 e-buses, the CRUT will provide ‘Ama Bus’ services on eight new routes in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from June 21 (Saturday).

The new routes are:

Route -86: MANU University – Mahanadi Vihar (Via Chahata Square)

Route -87: Naraj Police Outpost – Mahanadi Vihar (Via CDA, Judicial Square, Link Road)

Route -88: NLU – SCB Hospital (Via CDA, Judicial Square, Dolamundai, Professorpada)

Route -89: Trishulia Bus Stand – Jagadguru Krupalu University

Route -90: Khordha New Bus Stand – Jagatpur, Cuttack (Via NH)

Route -91: Baramunda BSABT – Biju Patnaik Park, Cuttack (Via NH)

Route -92: Baramunda BSABT – Sai Temple (Via Khandagiri, Lingraj Station, Bhim Tangi, Capital Hospital, Kalpana)

Route -93: Bhubaneswar Railway Station – Biju Patnaik Park, CDA (Via Fire Station, Sum Hospital, Kateni)

At present, the CRUT operates a robust fleet of 560 buses, including 180 electric buses, with an average daily ridership of more than three lakhs.

The addition of 100 electric buses will be a significant step towards achieving the goal of sustainable urban mobility in Odisha.With an operational budget of approximately Rs 500 crore for 10 years, these 100 buses will be introduced on existing routes and eight new routes to increase frequency and improve network coverage across Capital Region- Bhubaneswar, Cuttack & Puri.

The buses will operate from newly built Naraj Electric Bus Depot, a state-of-the-art e-bus depot spread across 8.01 acres, built with a cost of Rs 50.16 crore to accommodate 200 electric buses. The green depot includes charging stations, maintenance bays, bus-washing facilities, dedicated parking areas, making it one of the most advanced electric bus depots.