Odisha: JBM Ecolife to provide 200 new e-buses

Bhubaneswar: The state Cabinet today approved procurement of 200 new electric-buses which will be added to the fleet of MO Bus by CRUT to strengthen urban mobility in Capital Region of Bhubaneswar.

The Cabinet approved the bidding process taken up by CRUT and the selected bidder, JBM Ecolife Mobility Private Limited as Bus Operator for procurement, operation & maintenance of AC fully built 200 Electric Buses (9m-10m) and allied electrical & civil infrastructure on Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model basis for ten years at a rate of Rs.64.81 per K.M with a total project cost of Rs.933,26,40,000/- for 10 years and execution of project agreement.

CRUT initially started its Mo Bus operations in the Capital Region of Odisha in November 2018 with 200 Diesel Buses and added 55 Midi Buses (25 New and 30 Old Refurbished Buses) to its fleet by June 2022. Further 50 E-buses were added to the fleet of Mo Bus in the Capital Region. In January 2023, CRUT expanded its services to Rourkela and its hinterland with addition of 100 Midi Buses. Further CRUT’s Mo E-Ride (e-rickshaw) service that commenced in 2022 in Bhubaneswar provides feeder service to Mo Bus, paving way for first and last mile connectivity in the city.

Capital Region Urban Transport is currently Operating 305 Buses in the Capital Region and 100 Buses at Rourkela.

The Cabinet also approved the outcome of bidding process for ‘Implementation of LED Public Street Lighting Project’ to be executed across 110 urban local bodies in the state.

The project, with an estimated bidding cost of Rs 312.18 crore, will further ensure better illumination, vehicular and pedestrian safety during the night hours and help in reducing carbon emissions.

The Cabinet has approved allotment of five acres of land in Bhubaneswar free of premium to the Public Health Foundation of India.

The land will be utilised for establishment of a permanent campus of Indian Institute of Public Health that will create skilled human resource in public health system.