Odisha Announces Free Bus Travel for Women on Raksha Bandhan

Bhubaneswar, August 26: Women commuters across major cities of Odisha will be able to travel free of cost on Ama Bus services on August 27, marking Raksha Bandhan, officials said on Wednesday.

 The initiative, announced by the Comprehensive Urban Transport (CRUT) under the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and guided by Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, underscores the government’s commitment to safe and inclusive public transport.

The facility will be available in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Keonjhar, covering all operational Mo Bus routes. CRUT estimates that over one lakh women passengers will benefit from the gesture in a single day.

Officials said the initiative aims to ensure safe, affordable and dignified mobility for women, strengthening their social and economic participation. Ama Bus services are equipped with GPS-based tracking, CCTV surveillance, trained staff and passenger assistance systems to enhance safety and reliability.

CRUT Managing Director Siddik Alam noted that the step, taken under the guidance of the Chief Minister and the Minister, reinforces the organisation’s commitment to providing secure and respectful transport facilities for women.

While travel will be free, women passengers will be required to collect a ‘Zero Ticket’ during boarding. CRUT has also urged all passengers to cooperate with bus staff and maintain travel etiquette.

Officials said the initiative is designed to make Raksha Bandhan memorable by offering women a safe, convenient and worry-free travel experience. The move is part of Odisha’s broader push towards inclusive urban mobility and reflects the state’s emphasis on gender-sensitive public transport.