Odisha Ranks Fifth in Electric Mobility Across India
State to expand e-bus fleet for greener and smarter transport
Bhubaneswar : Odisha has emerged as one of India’s leading states in electric mobility, securing the fifth spot nationwide in terms of operational e-buses. Housing and Urban Development (H\&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced that the state government is preparing to scale up its electric bus fleet significantly to ensure sustainable, clean, and affordable urban transport.
At present, Odisha operates 450 e-buses across its urban centers. With plans to add more than 500 new vehicles in the near future, the state’s fleet will cross the 950-mark, marking a major leap toward eco-friendly mobility. The expansion is part of the government’s vision to reduce carbon emissions, curb air pollution in urban areas, and provide commuters with efficient modern transport alternatives.
Citing statistics from the Government of India, Mahapatra said a total of 14,329 e-buses are operational across Indian cities. Delhi leads with 3,564 e-buses, followed by Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850). Odisha’s 450 buses place it in the fifth position, surpassing several neighboring states, including West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46). This achievement, the Minister noted, reflects Odisha’s proactive policies and commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
Highlighting the role of central schemes, the Minister explained that the Government of India is providing financial assistance under initiatives like PM-eBus Sewa and PM E-DRIVE. These programs aim to accelerate the adoption of clean and cost-effective public transport while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Odisha, he added, has leveraged these schemes effectively to expand its fleet and modernize its public transport ecosystem.
H\&UD Principal Secretary Usha Padhee emphasized that infrastructure development is moving in parallel with fleet expansion. Charging stations are being set up at bus depots and terminals to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, smart systems are being rolled out, including QR code-based ticketing, National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), and app-based booking services. These features are expected to enhance commuter convenience, reduce waiting times, and encourage more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport.
Currently, most e-buses in Odisha are serving the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. However, the government is preparing to expand operations to other urban centers. Cities such as Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul are expected to be included in the upcoming phase of deployment. This expansion will ensure that eco-friendly public transport reaches a wider population, improving connectivity across diverse regions of the state.
The state’s push toward e-mobility is aligned with India’s broader climate commitments and the global move toward sustainable energy. By scaling up its fleet and modernizing transport systems, Odisha is not only addressing urban pollution but also creating new opportunities for green jobs, renewable energy integration, and smart city development.
As Odisha prepares to add more than 500 new e-buses and extend services to multiple cities, the state is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable transport in eastern India. With strong central support, modern commuter facilities, and ambitious expansion plans, Odisha’s e-mobility journey is set to redefine the way people travel, while contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for future generations.
