Passengers Safe as Ama Bus Gutted by Fire Near Kalinga Studio Square

Bhubaneswar: A major tragedy was averted on Saturday morning after a state-run Ama Bus caught fire near Kalinga Studio Square in Bhubaneswar, prompting swift evacuation of passengers and a rapid response from fire services. The incident occurred at around 6:40 am when smoke was noticed emanating from the bus while it was on its regular…

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BJD Slams BJP Government’s Mismanagement of PUC Enforcement, Stands with People of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly condemns the BJP government’s grossly mismanaged handling of the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate enforcement in Odisha, which has caused widespread hardship and inconvenience to ordinary citizens. The sudden announcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule from January 1, 2026, without adequate preparation, led to chaos across…

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Orissa High Court Seeks State’s Response on ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Odisha government over its decision to deny petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) and sought the state’s response within two weeks. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice…

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IT Companies to Operate from Baramunda Bus Terminal in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at optimising urban infrastructure and boosting commercial activity, IT companies will soon begin operations from the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to rent out space on two floors of the terminal to IT firms, transforming the facility into…

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Shankh Air Set to Take Off in January 2026, Targets Affordable Full-Service Travel

Bhubaneswar: Shankh Air, a new full-service airline with a strong focus on affordability and regional connectivity, is set to commence commercial operations in the second half of January 2026, marking a fresh entry into India’s competitive aviation market. Founded by entrepreneur Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, Shankh Air has its roots in the promoter’s trading firm, Shankh…

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Odisha Extends Electric Vehicle Policy Till March 2026

Bhubaneswar: In a strong push towards sustainable cities and future-ready mobility, the Odisha government has extended its Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021 till March 31, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to clean transportation, innovation-led growth, and a greener future. The extension aims to accelerate electric vehicle adoption across the state by continuing fiscal incentives, strengthening charging infrastructure,…

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Odisha Government Approves Free Bus Travel for School Students Under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step aimed at strengthening access to education, the Odisha government has approved free bus travel for school students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme. The decision replaces the existing 50 per cent concession on ticket fares with complete exemption from payment, ensuring that transportation costs do not become a barrier to…

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Union Cabinet Clears NH-326 Upgrade in Odisha to Boost Connectivity and Tribal Development

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 (NH-326) in Odisha, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity and accelerating development in the state’s southern districts. The project will upgrade the existing stretch of NH-326 across Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput districts, making travel faster, safer and more…

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Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,526 Cr Upgrade of NH-326 to Boost Southern Odisha Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 in Odisha, a major infrastructure push aimed at transforming connectivity and economic prospects in the state’s southern districts. The project involves upgrading the existing 2-lane highway to a 2-lane road with paved shoulders from Km…

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Odisha to Introduce Green Stickers for Vehicles with Valid Pollution Certificates

Bhubaneswar: In a fresh move to curb vehicular pollution and strengthen enforcement of emission norms, Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena on Tuesday announced that vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) will soon be required to display a green sticker. The initiative is set to be rolled out in conjunction with the upcoming Road…

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