Bhubaneswar : Bus services between the Capital city and Puri, Konark, Nimapara and Astaranga was severely affected Tuesday due to a strike called by the Bhubaneswar Bus Owners’ Association following burning of three buses at Pipli Monday.
However, sources said the bus owners lifted the agitation temporarily after a 12-hour bandh.
The association’s strike came a day after irate people set three private buses on fire following an accident where two elderly persons were killed. The Bhubaneswar Bus Owners’ Association’s call to stop service to Puri was supported by All Orissa Private Bus Owners’ Association (AOPBOA).
The association has decided to continue the boycott till the state government gives assurance to fulfill their demands.
The association demanded compensation for the damage, waiving the EMIs (equated monthly installments) of the vehicles destroyed in the arson and arrest of those involved in the torching.
AOPBOA president Prakash Mishra said the bus owners need specific assurance from the government about the safety of buses and their staff members.
“If we do not receive any assurance from the state government within two-four days, an emergency meeting will be called upon by the state association to decide the future course of action,” Mishra said.
Bhubaneswar Bus Owners’ Association secretary Barada Acharya said, “The bus owners should be compensated, government should instruct the insurance company for waiver of their installments and the persons involved should be arrested immediately. If a passenger bus is unsafe at merely 50 metres away from a police station then it is very difficult to run passenger services in Orissa.”
Commerce and Transport Minister Nrusingha Charan Sahu said the Transport Commissioner has been directed to discuss the issue with Bus Owners’ Association and resolve the matter.
Press Trust of India
