For decades, public transport in India has been a male-dominated sector—designed, managed, and operated by men. Women’s needs, whether as employees or commuters, were often an afterthought. But in Odisha, a quiet revolution is underway. The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), in collaboration with Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Palladium, is rewriting the narrative. Women are no longer just passengers—they are at the helm, driving buses, managing operations, and shaping the future of mobility in India.
This is more than an employment initiative. It is a movement that is redefining economic independence, safety, and access for millions of women across the state. The result? A 23% women’s workforce participation in Odisha’s transport sector—nearly three times the national average of 8%—and growing.
From the Margins to the Mainstream: Women Take the Wheel
Over 2,000 women have already found economic independence through OSRTC’s initiative. Among them is Pratima Nag, a bus conductor from Rayagada district. “I never thought I’d be in this role. Today, I support my family, ensure my children’s education, and prove that women belong here as much as men,” she shares.
Her story is not an isolated one. Across Odisha, 150 routes are now fully operated and managed by women-led SHGs, setting a precedent for gender inclusivity in a sector that has long excluded them.
A women official of OSRTC at the District level, highlights the deeper impact. “For the first time, transport planning is being shaped by women’s voices. The Authority is influencing gender inclusive policies, designing safer infrastructure, and ensuring mobility works for all,” she says.
Mobility as a Catalyst for Change
For millions of women, public transport is not just about travel—it is the difference between opportunity and exclusion. OSRTC’s reach extends to 98% of Odisha’s Gram Panchayats, ensuring last-mile connectivity for students, entrepreneurs, and working professionals.
Take Anita Muduli, a student from the Bonda tribal community. Her college is 70 km away from her village, a journey that once cost her ₹1,500 a month on private transport. “Now, I pay just ₹100-₹200. It’s not just about money, it’s about freedom. I can visit home, focus on my studies, and plan my future without constant worry,” she says.
Beyond affordability, safety remains a key concern. OSRTC has addressed this by introducing CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and real-time tracking in its buses. Women passengers traveling on premium long-distance routes now benefit from a 50% fare subsidy, while short-distance travel has been made significantly cheaper, costing as little as ₹5 from Gram Panchayats to Block headquarters.
Infrastructure Built for Women, by Women
Recognizing that true inclusivity requires more than just operational changes, OSRTC is revamping public transport infrastructure with a gender lens. Under the “Ama Bus Stand” initiative, 318 modern bus terminals are being built across all 314 blocks of Odisha. These spaces will feature women-friendly amenities, including secure waiting areas, baby-feeding rooms, and clean sanitation facilities—small but powerful steps toward making public transport dignified and accessible for women.
At the heart of this transformation is Palladium, which serves as OSRTC’s Project Management Unit, bridging the gap between policy and execution. Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium, underscores why this shift is critical.
“Empowering women in transport is not just about employment. It is about changing the way mobility is designed and accessed. Every woman—whether she is a bus conductor, a passenger, or a policymaker—must have the right to move freely, safely, and affordably. Odisha is proving that when you make mobility gender-inclusive, you unlock economic and social transformation at scale,” he states.
Odisha’s Model: A Blueprint for India and Beyond
Odisha’s approach is not just breaking stereotypes; it is setting a national precedent. The model—of integrating women as both transport providers and beneficiaries—has the potential to be replicated across India and globally, in regions where transport remains an exclusionary force for women.
This is not just a transport story. It is a story of power, of agency, and of a future where mobility is not a barrier but a bridge to equality. As more women take the driver’s seat—literally and figuratively—the road ahead looks not just inclusive, but unstoppable.
x
