The recent meeting between Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, and Subhalaxmi Mahananda, Odisha’s first female electric-bus driver from Keonjhar district, emphasised the state’s commitment to making public transport more inclusive. This interaction provided a personal perspective on the initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in the transport sector.

Mahananda’s journey from Keonjhar to operating an electric Ama Bus exemplifies the potential that arises from effective training, institutional support, and livelihood opportunities. Her presence on the roads not only serves as an inspiration for young women but also challenges traditional gender roles in the profession of public transport driving.

The meeting occurred during the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition, along with the 2nd National Urban Conclave (NUC), held in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25, 2026. This marks the first time UMI has taken place in eastern India, bringing together policymakers, transport professionals, and stakeholders to discuss accessible mobility and the development of liveable cities.

Creating Pathways for Women in Public Transport

Odisha’s initiatives to enhance women’s participation in the transport sector involve collaboration among various government departments and transport institutions. Support from key officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department, the Transport Commissioner, and the Managing Director of Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), has been instrumental in implementing policies that promote training and livelihood opportunities.

CRUT has initiated several measures to facilitate the entry of more women into public transport services. These initiatives include advanced training for twenty women who possess Heavy Motor Vehicle licences, allowing them to operate electric buses. Women are now engaged in diverse roles within the transport system, such as drivers, conductors, and feeder-service personnel, enhancing representation in everyday public transport operations.

The visibility of women in these professional roles may encourage more females to consider careers in the transport sector. Additionally, a broader initiative known as Atmanirbhar MAhila SuVahak, or AMA SuVahak, aims to extend opportunities into entrepreneurship, targeting the establishment of 2,450 women-led transport enterprises across Odisha.

Expanding the Public Transport Network

These initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation coincide with the ongoing expansion of Odisha’s public transport system. CRUT, which initially operated in a single city, has now expanded to manage 770 buses across 138 routes. Currently, electric buses constitute 51 per cent of its fleet, and nearly 48 per cent of ticketing transactions are conducted cashlessly.

During UMI 2026, the CRUT pavilion showcased various aspects of this expansion, including Ama Bus services, electric mobility, the Odisha Yatri platform, intelligent transport management, digital ticketing, safety measures, and accessibility initiatives. The organisation also played a crucial role in the planning and execution of the conference and exhibition, which focused on the theme “Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age.”

Discussions at UMI and the National Urban Conclave explored how transport systems and digital services can contribute to creating more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready cities. In this context, Mahananda’s experience serves as a personal illustration of the opportunities that initiatives in the mobility sector can provide. Her role as a driver not only signifies a career achievement but also reflects broader access to training and institutional support, empowering women to enter a traditionally male-dominated field.

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