Women Empowerment / UMI 2026: Commitment Meets Courage as Odisha’s Women Drive Mobility Transformation

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: As policymakers and transport experts gathered in Bhubaneswar for the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition, one interaction quietly reflected the broader transformation underway in Odisha.

The meeting between Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, and Subhalaxmi Mahananda, the State's first woman electric-bus driver, highlighted how public policy, institutional support and individual determination are creating new opportunities for women in the mobility sector.

A Symbol of Change

The interaction, held during UMI 2026, offered a human face to Odisha’s mobility reforms. While the conference focused on accessibility, sustainability and urban liveability, the meeting underscored how these goals are translating into opportunities for women across the State.

Subhalaxmi Mahananda’s journey from Kendujhar district to the driver’s seat of an electric Ama Bus has emerged as a symbol of this change. In a sector traditionally dominated by men, her achievement demonstrates that women are increasingly finding space in public transport services.

For many young girls, her presence behind the wheel represents a possibility that once seemed distant. Her journey reflects not only personal determination but also the growing support system available for women seeking careers in mobility.

Creating Opportunities

The transformation has been supported by targeted policy interventions. During her tenure in the Commerce & Transport Department, Usha Padhee initiated AMA SuVAHAK, an initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation in the transport ecosystem through training, skill development and livelihood support.

Driving training programmes introduced through the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) network have enabled women to acquire professional skills and enter a field where female participation has traditionally been low. Officials say the increasing number of women drivers reflects the impact of sustained institutional support.

Support from Institutions

The effort has been strengthened by the support of the Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department, the Transport Commissioner and the Managing Director of CRUT. Their collective focus on training, employment and operational support has helped create an enabling environment for women in transport services.

CRUT has also conducted advanced electric-bus training for women holding Heavy Motor Vehicle licences. Women are now serving as drivers, conductors and feeder-service personnel, making their presence increasingly visible in public transport operations.

The AMA SuVAHAK Vision

The broader ambition is embodied in Atmanirbhar MAhila SuVahak (AMA SuVAHAK), which aims to create 2,450 women-led transport enterprises across Odisha.

The initiative provides interest-free loans of up to Rs10 lakh for vehicle purchases and an additional incentive of Rs2 lakh for electric vehicles. Women beneficiaries are also offered free driving and entrepreneurship training, licensing support and assistance in accessing livelihood opportunities.

Priority support for Self-Help Group members and other eligible women aims to connect skills, ownership and entrepreneurship, enabling women to become transport service providers and business owners.

Mobility in Motion

These efforts are unfolding alongside the expansion of Odisha’s public transport system. CRUT has grown into a network operating 770 buses across 138 routes, with electric buses accounting for 51 per cent of the fleet. Nearly 48 per cent of ticketing transactions are now cashless.

At UMI 2026, the CRUT pavilion showcased Ama Bus services, electric mobility initiatives, Odisha Yatri, digital ticketing systems, intelligent transport management solutions and accessibility-focused innovations.
Also Read: Ekamra Walks Launches Special Cycling Trail for UMI 2026 Delegates

Looking Ahead

Guided by the theme, “Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age,” UMI 2026 explored how transport can improve access to opportunities and enhance the quality of urban life.

The meeting between Usha Padhee and Subhalaxmi Mahananda brought that vision into focus. It demonstrated how policy support, institutional commitment and individual courage can come together to create meaningful change. As Odisha continues its mobility transformation, stories like Subhalaxmi’s are inspiring more women to consider careers in a sector that is steadily becoming more inclusive.