Post News Network
Cuttack, August 7: Suspension of bus service between CDA in the Silver City and Charbatia in Choudwar due to construction of a drainage project, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has sparked strong resentment among the locals.
Some senior citizens have written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik seeking his intervention to ensure early resumption of bus service between the city and Choudwar.
Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) had launched a bus service between CDA and Charbatia via Badambadi, College Square and Jobra April 14 with the help of a private agency, Sahara Roadways. The agency had engaged four buses on the route. However, bus service on the route was suspended a month ago due to ongoing implementation of a drainage project in Jobra, College Square, Ranihaat and Malgodown areas.
“The bus service between CDA and Charbatia through Mahanadi barrage had reduced travel time and distance for commuters. CMC authorities should not suspend the service for the drainage project. They should find an alternate arrangement to resume the service as early as possible,” said Manas Kumar Parida, president of Cuttack-Choudwar Bikash Parishad, a voluntary organisation.
A few senior citizens have also threatened to file a petition in Orissa High Court seeking early resumption of the bus service. “The high court had directed CMC to provide bus service between CDA and Charbatia while disposing of a PIL petition. We will soon file a petition in the HC to inform it of the suspension of bus service on the route,” said Gobardhan Sahu, a senior citizen.
Officials of Sahara Roadways claimed that construction work of the drainage project has forced them to suspend bus service on the route. “A large patch of the road on the route has been dug up for the drainage project. Bad roads forced us to suspend the bus service,” said Sudhanshu Jena, CEO of Sahara Roadways.
CMC commissioner Gyana Das said they will soon get the road repaired and allow the bus service to resume.