Odisha introduces double-decker and eco-friendly buses
Editor
Bhubaneswar, Jan 7: In a significant step towards improving urban mobility and promoting sustainable transportation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the state's first Double-Decker bus service, along with the launch of Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) buses and Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) E-Bus services, at the Mo Bus Depot in Gadakana, Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday.
These initiatives align with Odisha’s "VIKSIT Odisha" vision, aiming to create a cleaner, greener, and more efficient urban transportation system. The newly introduced services are expected to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions.
A fleet of five double-decker buses, ten HOHO buses, and 25 SJTA e-buses will serve the Capital Region. The double-decker buses will operate across Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and Khordha, providing a unique travel experience for residents and visitors.
The HOHO buses will focus on key tourist destinations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, offering tourists a flexible way to explore the cities’ cultural and historical landmarks. This service allows passengers to travel at their own pace, making it convenient for sightseeing.
The SJTA e-buses will operate within Puri and between Puri and Bhubaneswar, providing eco-friendly transport for pilgrims, tourists, and locals. These buses are designed to be inclusive, featuring ramps for passengers using wheelchairs. Two wheelchair users were among the first passengers, and the Chief Minister personally handed them their tickets and assisted them in boarding the bus.
The double-decker buses will function as express services, with fares ranging from ₹30 to ₹170. The HOHO service will offer a one-day pass priced at ₹200, allowing unlimited travel across the HOHO network. As an introductory offer, the ₹50 card fee will be waived until January 31, 2025.
To mark the launch, the Chief Minister, accompanied by cabinet ministers, traveled on a double-decker bus to Janata Maidan. Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, presented the first ticket to the Chief Minister.
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) remains committed to enhancing Odisha's urban transit system and introducing innovative solutions to improve the convenience and accessibility of public transportation for its citizens.
