Odisha's CRUT Unveils Major Expansion of Ama Bus Services to 10 New Urban Centers
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), the agency responsible for operating the popular Ama Bus services in Odisha, has announced ambitious plans to significantly expand its city bus operations. As part of its next phase of growth in public transportation, CRUT will extend services to ten additional urban centers across the state.
Targeted Towns for Expansion
The proposed expansion will cover a diverse range of towns, bringing organized city bus connectivity to new regions. The ten urban centers identified for this initiative are:
- Balangir
- Bhadrak
- Rayagada
- Jeypore in Koraput district
- Jajpur
- Balasore
- Jharsuguda
- Angul
- Baripada
- Keonjhar
This strategic move aims to extend organized city bus connectivity beyond the existing operational network while simultaneously strengthening sustainable urban mobility infrastructure throughout Odisha.
Implementation Progress Across Locations
CRUT officials have confirmed that initial work has already commenced in several locations. In Balangir and Bhadrak, comprehensive route surveys and site selection processes for bus depots are currently underway. For the remaining eight towns, land has already been successfully identified for the necessary infrastructure development.
"In Keonjhar, construction activities have already begun," revealed a CRUT functionary, highlighting the advanced stage of implementation in some areas.
Electric Mobility Integration
As part of this expansion strategy, CRUT is placing significant emphasis on electric mobility. Under the first phase of this initiative, the agency will procure 100 electric buses specifically for Angul, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, and Baripada. Additionally, CRUT has already acquired 50 electric buses each for Sambalpur and Berhampur to enhance and strengthen services in cities where operations are already established.
Infrastructure Development Advances
Infrastructure development linked to this expansion is progressing steadily across multiple locations. In Angul and Jharsuguda, depot development has reached nearly 80% completion, with major electrical installations already in place and civil works advancing rapidly. In Baripada, necessary approvals are currently under process, while depot construction is being explored under the Mukhyamantri Shahri Vikas Yojana scheme.
Digital Transformation and Revenue Innovation
Alongside the physical expansion, CRUT is witnessing growing adoption of digital systems in its operations. "We have recorded an average 41% digital revenue collection across cities," stated Jayant Kumar, CRUT Manager (Operations).
The agency has introduced in-bus advertising for the first time, which is already contributing significantly to revenue streams. "This innovative approach is contributing up to 18% of our total monthly revenue," Kumar added.
Performance Tracking and Incentive Systems
To ensure operational excellence, CRUT has implemented a comprehensive monthly performance tracking system. This system meticulously gauges the work of CRUT staff members, with quarterly incentives awarded to bus captains and guides based on their performance metrics.
This expansion represents a substantial step forward in Odisha's public transportation landscape, promising improved connectivity, sustainable mobility options, and enhanced urban infrastructure for residents across the state's growing urban centers.
