Bhubaneswar, 14 May (H.S.): In a major push towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transport, Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Thursday announced that all buses operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) will be gradually converted into electric vehicles (EVs).

The announcement comes amid concerns over fuel availability, which led to panic buying at several petrol pumps in Bhubaneswar earlier in the day.

Speaking to the media, Jena said the state government is actively encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to protect the environment and reduce fuel expenses.

The minister also announced that he would personally begin using an electric vehicle from Thursday and restrict himself to a single official vehicle. “Austerity must begin from oneself,” he said.

Jena added that other ministers are also expected to follow similar measures, inspired by the Chief Minister’s decision to reduce the size of his official convoy by half.

Highlighting the long-term benefits of electric mobility, the Transport Minister said the transition to EVs would help maintain ecological balance while significantly reducing transportation costs over time. He urged citizens to make greater use of public transport systems such as buses and trains whenever possible.

The minister further informed that the government is holding discussions with companies to strengthen EV charging infrastructure across the state. Of the 100 proposed charging stations, work on 30 has already been completed, including 15 stations in Bhubaneswar.

Jena also assured that manufacturers willing to shift towards electric vehicle production would receive necessary government support and incentives to facilitate the transition.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda