Argus News - Odisha Bus Owners ‘Not to Support’ Bharat Bandh on February 12

Puri, Feb 11: The State Private Bus Owners’ Association convened a meeting in Puri to deliberate on pressing issues faced by bus operators, drivers, and staff across Odisha.

The association has clarified that it will not support the nationwide Bharat Bandh scheduled for Thursday. "However, we will reconsider the decision depending on the situation, particularly if agitators obstruct bus services," stated a member of the association. 

The meeting highlighted the scale of the private bus industry in Odisha, which operates nearly 14,000 buses owned by around 8,000 owners, sustaining the livelihoods of nearly 5 lakh families.

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However, members expressed concern over mounting challenges, especially regarding bus fitness certification. "With Automated Testing Stations (ATS) yet to be established in several districts, fitness checks have been halted in places like Balasore, Baripada, Khordha, and Phulbani, raising fears that many buses could be forced off the roads," he revealed expressing concerns.

Passenger welfare also featured prominently in discussions. The association criticized the absence of rest sheds for commuters, which continues to cause inconvenience. Another major grievance was the presence of liquor shops near bus stands and roadside eateries, which they claim contribute to accidents. The association demanded immediate closure of such outlets near transport hubs.

On fare-related matters, the association resolved to enforce display of rate charts on all buses. "Fares have remained unchanged since 2016, despite rising operational costs," the association member pointed out. Members warned that continuing services at outdated rates is becoming unsustainable unless the government revises fares.

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Additionally, the association urged authorities to prioritize rural road development, stressing that poor road conditions severely impact bus operations and passenger safety.

The meeting concluded with a call for government intervention to address these long-standing issues.