In a major step to enhance public transportation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched new bus services on Tuesday, aiming to improve connectivity in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Puri.
The expansion includes five double-decker buses, ten hop-on-hop-off buses, and twenty-five electric buses, with a particular emphasis on improving travel options in Puri.
Official sources indicate that the double-decker buses will create efficient routes for tourists traveling between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Puri, operating on a regular schedule. This initiative is expected to make travel more convenient for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclave and will boost the region’s tourism.
In Bhubaneswar, the newly launched hop-on-hop-off buses will connect major tourist attractions, allowing visitors to easily explore the city’s sights at their own pace. These buses are designed to support tourism by providing flexible travel options.
For residents and visitors in Puri, the introduction of electric buses offers an eco-friendly way to travel. These buses will only operate within the city, demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing local transportation.
Additionally, a 10-year contract has been signed with a private company for the supply, operation, and maintenance of these buses, with the possibility of extending the contract for another two years if needed.
Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra previously mentioned that these buses will operate under the ‘Mo Bus’ initiative and will be managed by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT).