Protest / Online Cab Drivers, Police Clash as Chaos Erupts in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Bhubaneswar’s Master Canteen and Lower PMG areas witnessed chaos on Wednesday as online auto and cab drivers intensified their three‑day “steering‑off” strike, clashing with police and disrupting traffic across the capital.

Protesters parked vehicles on busy roads, blocking traffic and leaving commuters stranded. Tensions escalated when agitators hurled stones at police, prompting a baton charge to disperse the crowd.

Several buses belonging to the state‑run “Ama Bus” service were vandalized, with windows smashed and tyres deflated. At least one police bus was also damaged.

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Eyewitnesses reported that some protesters hid in narrow lanes to pelt stones, even targeting passers‑by. The violence led to traffic snarls from Rajmahal to Vani Vihar, severely affecting movement in the city.

The strike has left passengers in distress, particularly at key transit points like the airport and railway station, where online bookings remain suspended.

With autos and cabs off the roads, commuters have been forced to rely on limited public transport, which itself has been disrupted by vandalism. Police maintained heavy deployment in sensitive areas to restore order.

The online cab and auto drivers have been staging the protest to press for various demands, including fare revisions and better working conditions.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said that passengers have often been attacked and miscreants created chaos at Master Canteen. “Passengers have been attacked several times, and miscreants created chaos at Master Canteen,” said DCP Meena.

While police attempted to remove the agitators, law and order issues arose. Around 30 to 40 protesters have been detained and will be arrested,” he noted.

Several police personnel were injured during the clashes.