Thursday, August 27, 2026: Women can travel free throughout the day on all eligible Ama Bus services operated by CRUT. Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The offer covers seven cities and is expected to benefit nearly one lakh women passengers.
Free Ama Bus Travel Available Throughout August 27
BHUBANESWAR: Women can travel without paying a fare on all Ama Bus services operating across seven major Odisha cities on Thursday, August 27, under a special initiative announced by Comprehensive Region Urban Transport.
The one-day offer covers Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Kendujhar. CRUT expects nearly one lakh women commuters to use the free-travel facility during the day.
The initiative was announced as a Raksha Bandhan gesture reflecting the festival’s message of care, trust and protection. It is intended to make travel more affordable and convenient for women visiting family members, commuting to work or attending social and economic activities.
The fare waiver is applicable throughout August 27 on Ama Bus services operating in the seven covered cities. Women planning to travel should confirm their route and service timing before beginning their journeys, particularly during busy festival hours.
CRUT’s announcement applies to its Ama Bus network. Passengers should not assume that private buses or other transport services are included unless their respective operators issue separate fare-waiver announcements.
Zero-Fare Ticket Mandatory For Every Woman Passenger
Although women will not be charged for their journeys, they must obtain a zero-fare ticket from the bus crew after boarding. CRUT has made the ticket mandatory for passengers using the special travel facility.
The zero-fare ticket allows the transport agency to record passenger numbers and monitor how many women benefit from the scheme. It may also help crew members manage occupancy and operations during a day when demand is expected to be higher than usual.
Women should cooperate with conductors and other bus employees while collecting their tickets. CRUT has also asked all commuters to follow passenger etiquette, avoid obstructing bus doors and offer consideration to fellow travellers.
Passengers may experience larger crowds on routes connecting residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas, transport hubs and major festival destinations. Travelling earlier and allowing additional time for boarding could help make the journey more comfortable.
CRUT has not described the initiative as a permanent fare concession. It is a special one-day benefit scheduled for August 27, and regular fares are expected to apply outside the announced period.
Seven Odisha Cities Covered Under Special Bus Offer
The free-travel benefit is available in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Kendujhar, covering several of Odisha’s most important urban centres.
Ama Bus services have become a major part of the public transport system in these cities. The network supports commuters travelling for employment, education, healthcare, shopping, family visits and other daily needs.
CRUT said its buses use GPS-based tracking, CCTV surveillance, trained crew members and technology-supported operations to improve safety and passenger convenience. These features are particularly important during festivals, when buses and public spaces may be more crowded.
The initiative also complements the Odisha government’s broader emphasis on women’s mobility and empowerment. Better access to affordable transport can help women participate more easily in employment, education and social activities. The agency wants the spirit of protection associated with Raksha Bandhan to extend to safe, reliable and dignified public transportation.
Public Transport Push Aims To Reduce Traffic And Emissions
CRUT has encouraged residents to choose public transport during the festival. Increased use of buses could reduce the number of private vehicles on city roads, easing congestion around markets, residential areas and major transport corridors.
Greater bus use can also help lower fuel consumption and vehicular emissions. A single bus can transport many passengers while occupying less road space than the number of private cars and two-wheelers needed to carry the same group.
The one-day fare exemption may introduce more women to the Ama Bus network and encourage future use of public transportation. However, passengers have been asked to cooperate with staff to ensure that services remain orderly and comfortable.
Women using the benefit should remember the central requirement: travel is free, but a zero-fare ticket must still be collected. The offer remains available throughout August 27 across all seven covered cities.
