Odisha Gets Special Mention at UMI Summit; Bhubaneswar to Host 2026 Edition

Bhubaneswar: The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has secured a Special Mention Award at the 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Summit, marking a significant achievement in Odisha’s push toward modern and inclusive public transport.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, while sharing the news, announced that Odisha will host the 19th UMI Summit in the last week of October 2026. He said the state’s public transport network is undergoing a major transformation under the AMA Bus programme.

Currently, 670 AMA buses are operating across Odisha, including 220 electric buses that strengthen the state’s commitment to clean, green mobility. Mohapatra added that electric bus services will soon expand to six more cities to enhance urban connectivity.

The Minister informed that AMA Buses now run on 113 routes covering 1,399 km, serving thousands of passengers daily. Route expansion will continue in phases to meet growing demand and ensure improved last-mile connectivity.

To promote digital ticketing and increase ridership, the state government has introduced a 10% discount on online ticket purchases. Women passengers are also receiving a 15% fare concession, making public transport more affordable. Ticketing revenue has grown by 35%, reflecting rising commuter confidence.

Mohapatra said hosting UMI 2026 places Odisha prominently on India’s mobility map. With an expanding e-bus fleet, commuter-friendly initiatives and widened route networks, the state is moving towards a cleaner, smarter and more inclusive public transport ecosystem.