BHUBANESWAR: In a significant move toward gender inclusivity and enhanced safety in public transport, the Odisha government has announced the induction of women drivers into the ‘Ama Bus’ service.
During a high-level review meeting on Tuesday, Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra, Odisha’s Minister for Housing and Urban Development, revealed that a group of 20 women candidates from Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has been selected for this initiative. These trailblazers will undergo specialized electric bus (e-bus) driving training in Pune, starting January 31.
Minister Mohapatra emphasized that the move is not just about employment but also about making public transport safer and more inclusive. “Women’s safety and inclusive employment are our top priorities. By bringing women behind the wheel, we are setting a new standard for public transport in the state,” the Minister stated.
To ensure the highest safety standards, the Minister also highlighted the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward drunk driving. He noted that CRUT conducted nearly 1.97 lakh alcohol tests last year. Any driver found positive—19 in the past year—faced immediate arrest and a three-month license suspension.