Building Smart Cities: The Role of Technology in Modernizing Urban Transportation in Odisha
In recent years, Odisha has made significant progress towards becoming a smart state. The government is actively investing in technology to improve various aspects of urban living, including transportation.
With the help of technology, the state is modernizing its transportation infrastructure and services, making travel more convenient, efficient, and sustainable. In this blog, I will explore how technology is changing urban transportation in Odisha and its role in building smart cities.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) use various technologies such as sensors, GPS, and communication networks to monitor and manage traffic flow, improving efficiency, safety, and reducing congestion. In Odisha, ITS is being implemented in several cities, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, to improve public transportation and reduce travel time for commuters.
Smart Parking Solutions
Finding a parking spot can be a major hassle in cities, leading to congestion and delays. To address this issue, the state government is deploying smart parking solutions that use sensors to detect available parking spots and guide drivers to them using mobile apps.
These solutions not only reduce congestion but also help to reduce emissions by minimizing the time spent searching for parking spots.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Odisha is actively promoting the use of EVs by offering incentives and subsidies to buyers. The state government is also developing charging infrastructure to support the increasing demand for EVs.
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), runs the Mo Bus services, with the vision to reorganize the public transit services in the city. It is the primary agency providing public transit services within the capital city of Bhubaneswar and in its neighboring cities of Cuttack and Puri.
With a vision to provide excellence in public transit service and strive for continuous improvement of the Capital Region’s transportation system, CRUT is committed to redefining “The Way We Move”, by providing mobility options to the residents that will support a more sustainable future for all.
CRUT has expanded the definition of public transit to integrate multimodal alternatives for residents and visitors with its new team of experts representing the domains of transportation planning, technology, operations, and communications.
CRUT has recently rolled out its new buses under title `MO BUS’ meaning ‘my bus' on November 6th, 2018 along with MO CYCLE (My Cycle) state’s first Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) program on November 26th, 2018.
In addition, CRUT also introduced e-rickshaws (MO E-RIDE). (Refer below pic)
Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Ola are becoming increasingly popular in Odisha, providing an affordable and convenient option for commuters. These services use algorithms to match riders with drivers, optimizing routes, and reducing congestion on the roads.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a new concept that integrates various modes of transportation, including public transit, ride-sharing, and car rentals, into a single platform.
In Odisha, the government is working towards implementing a MaaS system that will enable citizens to plan and book their entire journey through a single app.
The role of technology in modernizing urban transportation in Odisha is undeniable. The state government is leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and sustainability of transportation infrastructure and services. These initiatives not only benefit the environment but also make travel more convenient and affordable for citizens. As the state continues to develop and implement smart transportation solutions, it will pave the way for building smart cities, promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
