Bus Services Set to Resume in Odisha Despite Ongoing Drivers’ Strike

Bhubaneswar: Amid the ongoing strike by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, the Private Bus Owners Association has decided to resume bus services across the state from Saturday. The move comes as a major relief to lakhs of commuters who have been severely impacted by the four-day transport disruption.

The decision was finalised during a high-level meeting of the association held in Puri on Friday. Announcing the decision, Association Secretary Devendra Sahu said the resumption of services was aimed at easing public hardship, as the existing government-run buses are unable to meet the heavy transport demand alone.

Bus operations will be restored in all 30 districts, including Cuttack, where the local Bus Owners Association has announced it will not support the strike. More than 17,000 private buses are expected to hit the roads, significantly boosting connectivity across the state.

While services are set to resume, the bus owners’ body has urged the state government to provide necessary security arrangements, citing concerns about the continuing agitation. The association also stated that it has sufficient drivers who are willing to operate buses and ensure smooth travel for the public.

The drivers’ strike, led by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, has paralyzed public transport and disrupted daily life. The protestors have put forth a set of demands, including the inclusion of auto-rickshaw drivers under the state welfare board, a dedicated law for driver protection, retirement allowance for drivers above 60 years, construction of rest houses and parking facilities, job reservations for local drivers in the industrial sector, and official recognition of September 1 as National Driver’s Day.