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"In a major step towards sustainable and environment-friendly transport, the Odisha Cabinet on Saturday approved an outlay of Rs 952.56 crore for the procurement, operation, and maintenance of 200 midi electric buses over the next 10 years.Advertisment The initiative aims to strengthen urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions across six major cities in the state. Under Package VIII, 100 electric buses have been allotted for Keonjhar (25), Baripada (25), and Berhampur (50). Similarly, under Package IX, another 100 buses will be deployed in Angul (25), Jharsuguda (25), and Sambalpur (50).Advertisment Also Read: Odisha Cabinet meeting today, 7 proposals likely to be discussed The project also includes the development of charging infrastructure, bus depots, and a comprehensive operation and maintenance system in these cities. Officials said the move would bring about a significant transformation in urban transport facilities and enhance passenger convenience. This decision is seen as a crucial step towards realising the vision of "Vikshit Odisha" and "Atma Nirbhar Bharat", aligning with the broader goal of building a fully developed state by 2047. Currently, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) operates 670 buses across various routes, serving over three lakh passengers daily. The new fleet of electric buses is expected to further improve urban connectivity and promote cleaner, greener mobility. The core objective of this project is to enhance urban transport services while cutting down pollution and carbon emissions, paving the way for a sustainable, eco-friendly, and modern public transport network in Odisha."
