Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has taken a significant step forward in ensuring commuter safety and promoting responsible public transportation through its ongoing ‘Zero Accident Day’ initiative. As part of this safety-focused drive, CRUT is now conducting daily road safety counselling sessions and administering the Road Safety Pledge at all its depots and operational terminals across the state. These structured sessions aim to make drivers and support staff more aware of the importance of safe driving practices, while also reinforcing their accountability and responsibilities on the road. The initiative also seeks to build a work culture grounded in discipline, care, and a deep sense of duty toward passengers and fellow citizens.

In a notable development, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, visited the Naraj Electric Bus Depot and took part in an interactive session with CRUT’s crew members. She administered the Road Safety Oath and addressed the staff, urging them to always uphold the highest standards of road safety and service quality. Speaking at the event, Padhee emphasized that safety begins with each individual. She acknowledged that CRUT crew members are not just drivers, but trusted daily service providers for thousands of people. Stressing the importance of a safe journey, she asked them to commit to making every ride not just timely and efficient, but also safe and dependable.

Further reinforcing this message, the Principal Secretary highlighted the importance of the ‘Come Home Safe’ philosophy, which speaks not only to the safety of passengers but also the personal well-being of the transport crew and their families. She encouraged all staff to maintain professionalism and care in every aspect of their work so that public confidence and trust in CRUT’s services continue to grow. The Zero Accident Day campaign is envisioned as a long-term effort by CRUT to bring down accident rates, instill discipline in driving habits, and elevate the commuting experience for all in the capital region. It reflects the organization's larger mission to create a safer, more responsive, and citizen-focused transport network.

Meanwhile, in a major boost to Odisha’s green mobility efforts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 100 new electric buses under the CRUT framework. These buses are set to revolutionize public transportation in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri. With the induction of these new electric buses, CRUT’s fleet will now cover eight additional routes in the Capital Region, further improving connectivity and ease of access for the public. This marks a strategic expansion of the existing “AMA Bus” services, which are already operating across eleven routes in the state.

Adding to this progress, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Naraj Electric Bus Depot. This depot is a state-of-the-art facility built using the latest green building technologies and will serve as the central operational base for the newly introduced electric fleet. The depot has been designed with sustainability in mind and is equipped to handle large-scale maintenance, charging, and management of eco-friendly buses.