Odisha CM Launches Double-Decker and e-Bus Services
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility and promoting sustainable transport, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today flagged off the state’s first-ever Double-Decker bus service along with Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) buses and Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) e-Bus services at the Mo Bus Depot in Gadakana, Bhubaneswar.
A total of five Double-Decker buses, ten HOHO buses, and 25 SJTA e-buses will operate across the Capital Region. Initially, the services will cater to guests attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Following the event, the Double-Decker buses will be available for public use in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and Khurda, offering a unique and scenic commuting experience.
Features and Routes
The electric Double-Decker buses are equipped with 66 seats and can travel up to 250 km on a full charge at a speed of 45 km/h. Painted in vibrant orange, the buses feature artwork depicting Odisha’s rich culture and landmarks, including the Konark Sun Temple wheel, Dhauli Stupa, and Bali Yatra of Cuttack.
The Hop-On Hop-Off buses will cover major tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. This service offers tourists the flexibility to board and deboard at various stops, enhancing accessibility to the cities’ cultural and historical sites.
The SJTA e-Buses will primarily operate within Puri and between Puri and Bhubaneswar, ensuring eco-friendly travel for pilgrims, tourists, and locals. These buses come equipped with ramps to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusivity.
Accessibility and Innovation
A key highlight of the Double-Decker service is its special lift mechanism for specially-abled passengers. Installed near the rear side door, the lift allows passengers to board and exit without assistance or the need to leave their wheelchairs. With the press of a button, the lift extends to assist passengers, ensuring a seamless and dignified travel experience.
Fares and Offers
The Double-Decker buses will operate as express services with fares ranging from ₹30 to ₹170.
The HOHO service will offer a one-day pass for ₹200, allowing unlimited travel on any route within the HOHO network. As part of an introductory offer, the ₹50 card fee will be waived until January 31, 2025.
A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility
The launch of these services aligns with Odisha’s VIKSIT Odisha vision for sustainable development, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while enhancing connectivity.
“These initiatives are a milestone in building a cleaner, greener, and more efficient urban transport infrastructure,” said CM Majhi during the launch. “They will not only boost tourism but also improve everyday commuting for residents.”
The Double-Decker, HOHO, and SJTA e-bus services mark a significant leap in Odisha’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive urban transportation, setting new benchmarks for other states to follow.
