Women passengers across several cities in Odisha will be able to travel free on Ama Bus services on August 27, 2026, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The initiative has been announced by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) as part of its commitment to safe, convenient and affordable public transportation for women.
The free travel facility will be available on all Ama Bus services operating in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Keonjhar. CRUT expects more than one lakh women passengers to benefit from the initiative in a single day.
The move aims to ensure that women can travel safely and comfortably without the burden of fares. It is also aligned with the state government’s broader focus on women’s empowerment and is expected to complement initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s social and economic participation.
Ama Bus services are equipped with GPS-based tracking, CCTV surveillance, trained staff, passenger assistance systems and technology-driven operations. CRUT said these measures have helped strengthen the safety and reliability of urban public transport.
CRUT has also appealed to citizens to choose public transport during the festival. Greater use of buses can help reduce traffic congestion, control pollution and contribute to a cleaner urban environment.
Women travelling under the free-travel facility will be required to obtain a Zero Ticket during their journey. CRUT has urged passengers to cooperate with bus staff and follow passenger etiquette to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
The initiative is expected to provide women passengers with a safe, reliable and hassle-free travel experience across all cities where Ama Bus services are operational.