Bhubaneswar: From 1 April 2026, cash payments at National Highway toll plazas are likely to be discontinued, with all transactions shifting to digital modes such as FASTag and UPI. The move fits neatly into India’s broader push towards a technology-driven, high-efficiency highway network. In principle, it promises speed, transparency, and reduced congestion. In practice, it…
Bhubaneswar: India’s highways have long symbolised speed, connectivity, and economic progress. But they have also represented ecological disruption—fragmented habitats, declining wildlife populations, and vanishing pollinators. Against this backdrop, the National Highways Authority of India’s proposal to create ‘Bee Corridors’ along national highways is a welcome, if overdue, intervention. Pollinators such as bees are not mere…
Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday announced plans to develop a 1,000-acre industrial hub in Sambalpur, marking a major push to accelerate industrialisation in western Odisha. Pradhan said the proposed industrial cluster aims to attract large-scale investments, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Discussions are underway to earmark land for…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched 250 new ambulances at Kalinga Stadium, marking the second phase of the state’s emergency medical transport expansion. With an investment of ₹111 crore, the government plans to deploy 428 new ambulances, strengthening rapid response services across the state. Earlier, 150 ambulances were inducted in December…
Bhubaneswar: The long-standing aspiration of integrating Odisha into India’s national high-speed rail (HSR) network is edging closer to reality, with projections suggesting a transformative Bhubaneswar–New Delhi travel time of just 8 to 9 hours. Currently, the journey takes 24 to 30 hours by conventional rail. The push is backed by a record ₹10,928 crore allocation…
Bhubaneswar: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday flagged off 500 new air-conditioned electric buses, taking the capital’s electric public transport fleet to 4,286 buses and making Delhi the largest electric bus city in India. The Chief Minister, accompanied by senior BJP leaders, also inaugurated Delhi’s first electric inter-state bus service connecting the capital to…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has notified revised fare rates for motor cabs and three-wheelers across the state, effective February 5, 2026, according to an official order issued by the state authorities. The updated fare structure covers e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, standard cars, luxury cars, and premium luxury vehicles, specifying per-kilometre charges and minimum base fares for each…
Bhubaneswar: India has introduced Bharat Taxi, a cooperative taxi service aimed at making urban travel more affordable by eliminating surge pricing and high commission charges. Unlike app-based aggregators, Bharat Taxi is owned and operated by drivers themselves, allowing them to retain a larger share of earnings while offering passengers more stable and transparent fares. Officials…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched the second phase of its luxury caravan tourism initiative, aiming to offer travelers premium, hotel-like comfort on wheels while promoting experiential and destination-based tourism across the state. The new phase was flagged off from the Dhauli hills, with three luxury caravans introduced into service. Each caravan is equipped with…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards safer urban mobility and women’s empowerment, the Odisha government is set to introduce a women-only bus service named ‘Subhadra Bus’ in Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to enhance safety, comfort, and representation of women in public transport. The Subhadra Bus service will be exclusively for women passengers and will be…