Women All Set to Take the Driver’s Seat in Odisha’s Public Transport Push

 Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards gender inclusion in public transport, Odisha is set to introduce women drivers in its Ama Bus service, with the first batch of 20 women leaving for Pune on Saturday to undergo specialised training in operating electric buses.

The women will depart Bhubaneswar on a 5.30 pm flight to Pune, where they will undergo a 14-day advanced training programme focused on electric vehicle (EV) bus operations. The initiative aims to equip them with the technical skills and practical exposure required to safely and efficiently operate electric buses in urban traffic conditions.

Urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and transport department secretary Usha Padhee formally handed over the flight tickets to the trainees, underlining the state government’s institutional support for the programme. The women drivers are expected to return to Bhubaneswar on February 17 and subsequently be deployed on city routes.

The training programme includes hands-on driving experience on electric buses in Pune’s traffic environment, allowing the participants to familiarise themselves with EV technology, safety protocols and real-world operational challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahapatra said the initiative reflects the government’s confidence in women’s abilities in sectors traditionally dominated by men.

“Women symbolise patience and calm—qualities essential for public transport driving. We have seen their courage and commitment in every sphere. I am confident they will complete this training sincerely and take charge of electric bus operations on their return,” he said.

The minister also indicated that the state government is working on expanding public transport options, including plans to launch the Subhadra bus service.

Transport department secretary Usha Padhee said the programme aligns with the broader objective of increasing women’s participation in the workforce.

“Women constitute 50 per cent of the population. Our focus is on creating an enabling ecosystem where women not only participate in the transport sector but also lead. Training women bus drivers is a deliberate step in that direction,” she said.

With this initiative, Odisha joins a growing list of states seeking to combine clean mobility with inclusive employment, signalling a shift in how public transport systems are designed and staffed.