CAG to Conduct Urban Mobility Audit in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India will conduct a Citizen-Centric Compliance Audit on Urban Mobility in 101 cities across the country under its Annual Action Plan 2026–27. From Odisha, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been selected for the proposed audit exercise.

The audit aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and implementation of urban transport systems and mobility-related services in selected cities.

Entry Conference Held in Bhubaneswar

In connection with the upcoming audit, an Entry Conference on Urban Mobility was held at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan in Bhubaneswar under the chairpersonship of Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee.

Principal Accountant General (Audit-I), Odisha, Subu R, Deputy Accountant General Balakrishna and members of the audit team were present during the meeting.

Audit Framework and Timeline Discussed

During the conference, the audit team gave a detailed presentation on the proposed audit process. The presentation covered audit criteria, legal and policy frameworks, urban transport systems, key service areas, methodology and timelines.

The Office of the Accountant General also requested the Housing and Urban Development Department to nominate a nodal officer and sought cooperation from all concerned departments and agencies for the smooth conduct of the audit.

Government Assures Full Cooperation

Addressing the meeting, ACS Usha Padhee assured complete cooperation and all required assistance for the successful completion of the audit exercise.

She advised departmental officers and participating agencies to share their operational challenges and concerns with the audit team. According to her, such discussions would help in identifying practical solutions and improving understanding of the urban mobility ecosystem in the two cities.

Senior Officials Attend Meeting

The meeting also discussed the modalities and timelines for carrying out the audit.

Among those present were Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana, and senior officials from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority, CRUT, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, Smart City Limited, Commerce and Transport Department, State Transport Authority, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, Home Department and several other stakeholder agencies.