Women drivers into “Ama” Bus in Odisha
News,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar,(18/02/2026):In a groundbreaking move towards gender-inclusive urban transport, the CRUT) has welcomed back 20 skilled women drivers from an intensive electric vehicle bus training program .
In a transformative shift for public transportation, the Odisha government has successfully launched an initiative to integrate women drivers into the “ Ama” Bus service. Spearheaded by Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, this project marks a significant milestone in gender-inclusive governance and the modernization of the state’s transit infrastructure.
Upon their return to Odisha, the women will embark on a 15-day local driving practice and route familiarisation program.
This phase includes real-world assessments to ensure seamless integration into CRUT’s operations. Only after successfully clearing this evaluation will they be formally inducted as an all-women crew, driving AMA Buses and inspiring a new era of inclusivity in public transport.
Usha Padhee, highlighted the broader impact of the program. “This is not just about training women to drive buses. It is about enabling leadership, dignity, and equal opportunity in public service,” she stated. “These women will inspire many others to step forward.”
Padhee has emphasized that this initiative is about much more than filling vacancies; it is a platform for leadership and equality.
By placing women in roles traditionally dominated by men, the state is actively breaking down professional barriers and encouraging women across Odisha to pursue diverse career paths.
The effort aligns with Odisha’s vision for a safe, inclusive, and future-ready urban mobility ecosystem. By empowering women in traditionally male-dominated roles, CRUT aims to enhance public transport reliability while promoting environmental sustainability through EV adoption. This milestone not only boosts employment opportunities for women but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in building equitable transport systems said Mr.Amitabh Thakur,IPS,Commissioner, STA,Odisha.
The first group of twenty trailblazing women has recently returned to Odisha following an intensive fourteen-day advanced training program in Pune. Conducted at the Ekka Mobility plant and supported by GIZ, the curriculum provided these pioneers with specialized knowledge in electric vehicle bus operations, safety protocols, and modern urban management. Each participant already held a valid heavy vehicle license, but this specialized training ensured they are fully equipped to handle the complexities of sustainable electric transport.
The leadership believes that this move will naturally enhance passenger safety and service quality, as the inclusion of women drivers often brings a high level of care and diligence to public service.
To ensure the highest standards of safety for the public, the transition to active duty is being managed with meticulous care. The drivers are currently undergoing an additional fifteen days of local practice and route identification within the state. They will only be officially deployed after a comprehensive field evaluation to confirm their readiness for the road.
This vision, championed by the Capital Region Urban Transport and the state leadership, aims to build a more inclusive and secure transport network. By providing sustainable livelihoods and technical expertise to women, Odisha is setting a new standard for how urban mobility can serve as a catalyst for social empowerment and public safety.
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