The Odisha government is all set to include all the Urban Local Body (ULB) bus stands under the ambitious Atal Bus Stand (ABS) scheme in a major step towards modernising public transport infrastructure across the State.

Also Read: Odisha’s Rs 3,400 Cr ‘Atal Bus Stand’ scheme: Everything you need to know

As per the decision on Wednesday, all bus stands functioning under the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department will be transferred to the Commerce and Transport (C&T) Department for better management and development. 

The move aims to upgrade existing bus terminals with modern facilities and improved passenger amenities.
Officials said the ULB bus stands will now be developed and managed under the guidelines of the Atal Bus Stand scheme. The initiative is expected to enhance the quality of transport services and provide better convenience, safety, and infrastructure for daily commuters.

The State government plans to transform all bus stands into well-equipped transport hubs with improved waiting areas, sanitation facilities, lighting, digital information systems, and passenger-friendly services. Authorities believe the decision will help streamline bus stand operations and create a more organised public transport network in urban areas.

The step is also seen as part of the State government’s broader vision to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve connectivity across Odisha. Detailed implementation plans and timelines are expected to be announced by the concerned departments soon.

“The Odisha Cabinet, in its 38th Meeting held on 10.04.2026, has approved the “Atal Bus Stand” scheme for Construction/ Renovation/ Development/ Operation, Maintenance and management of bus stands across the State and wherein, it has been approved that all existing bus stands under earlier scheme and under Urban Local Body (ULB) of the State are to be incorporated and integrated under the Atal Bus Stand scheme to standardise their development, renovation, operation, maintenance and management under one umbrella i.e, Atal Bus Stand scheme,” a letter of the Transport Department said.

“It is requested to kindly issue necessary instructions to ULBs to take steps for handing over of all the bus stands under the jurisdiction of the H&UD Department to the C&T Department for their operation and management under one umbrella, i.e., Atal Bus Stand scheme. SOP for the same is being issued separately by this Department,” the communiqué stated.