Bhubaneswar, Jan 21: The state government has decided to remove diesel-operated Ama Buses from the roads and replace them with electric vehicle (EV) buses. Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced that the existing fleet of diesel buses will be gradually scrapped, and only EV buses will operate in the future.

The minister also said that women will be inducted as Ama Bus drivers. In the first phase, 20 women will be provided training. All selected candidates already possess licenses to drive heavy vehicles. After completing their training, the women will operate dedicated buses, a move aimed at enhancing safety and confidence among women passengers.