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 operated entirely by women drivers, marking a first-of-its-kind move in the state’s urban transport system. In the initial phase, 20 women drivers have been selected, all of whom possess valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licences.
To equip them for electric bus operations, the drivers are undergoing a 14-day specialised training programme in Pune. The training includes hands-on driving in real traffic conditions, with a strong focus on safety, vehicle control, and efficient handling of electric buses. The trainees are scheduled to return to Bhubaneswar on February 17, 2026.
Following their return, the drivers will first operate 9-metre electric buses under the existing Ama Bus service. These buses will have a seating capacity of 12 passengers. After completing three months of on-road experience, the drivers will be upgraded to operate larger electric buses with a capacity of 30 passengers, which will form part of the dedicated Subhadra Bus fleet.
Officials said the initiative is designed not only to make city travel safer for women but also to create new employment opportunities for women in the public transport sector, traditionally dominated by men.
The Subhadra Bus service reflects Odisha’s growing focus on gender-inclusive mobility, electric transport, and women-led development in urban governance.
-OdishaAge
