Odisha has entered a new era of smart, inclusive, and cashless urban transport. On Local Self Governance Day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a series of digital initiatives by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) under the Housing & Urban Development Department.These initiatives are designed to make daily travel across Odisha’s major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur smoother, affordable, and more convenient.
Let’s explore what has been launched, how it benefits you, and the step-by-step process to start using these services.
🚍 What’s New in Odisha’s Public Transport?
- National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for Odisha
- One smart card for buses, e-rickshaws, metros, and other future transport.
- Issued in partnership with SBI and Airtel Payment Bank.
- Fee: ₹50 (new card) | ₹200 (re-issuance) | Valid for 5 years.
- WhatsApp Ticketing Service
- Book Ama Bus tickets via WhatsApp number +91 9078050218.
- Powered by the ONDC platform.
- Digital Passes
- Available on Ama Bus mobile app and NCMC card.
- Pass types:
- City Pass (for trips ≤ ₹30)
- Magic Pass (for trips ≤ ₹50)
- Long Route Pass (for trips > ₹50)
- Options for daily and monthly commuters.
- Special Discounts
- 10% off for all digital ticket users.
- 15% off for women passengers.
💡 How Commuters Can Benefit — Step by Step
1. Occasional Bus Travelers
- ✅ Book tickets directly through WhatsApp (+91 9078050218).
- ✅ Pay digitally, no need to carry cash.
- ✅ Save 10% instantly on each ride.
- ✅ Women save 15%.
2. Daily Commuters (Students, Office-Goers, Workers)
- ✅ Download the Ama Bus app (Android/iOS).
- ✅ Choose a Daily Pass or Monthly Pass based on your route.
- ✅ Pay online and activate your pass digitally.
- ✅ Show QR code on your phone — no paper tickets needed.
3. Multi-City Travelers
- ✅ Get the NCMC card (valid across Odisha & interoperable nationally).
- ✅ Recharge it online or at kiosks.
- ✅ Use the same card for buses, e-rickshaws, and future metro services.
- ✅ Enjoy cashless travel across multiple cities.
🪪 How to Get the NCMC Card
Option 1: Offline (Immediate Access)
You can purchase the card at:
- CRUT Head Office, Patia (Bhubaneswar)
- Bus stands in Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur
Option 2: Online (SBI Customers)
Follow these steps:
- Open the SBI YONO App or visit the SBI official website.
- Search for “National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)”.
- Fill in your details and apply for the card.
- Pay the issuance fee (₹50) online.
- Choose delivery method (home delivery or nearest SBI branch pickup).
- Once received, link the card with the Ama Bus app to start using passes.
(For Airtel Payments Bank customers, the Airtel Thanks app will soon have the same option.)
🌍 Why This Matters
These digital mobility solutions reflect Odisha’s commitment to a modern, inclusive, and cashless public transport system, in line with the national vision of “One Nation, One Card.”
- 🚍 Easier travel with digital tickets
- 💰 Save money with discounts & passes
- 🪪 Carry one card for all transport
- 👩🦰 Encourage more women to use public transport safely
Together, these steps bring Odisha closer to the dream of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha.