Bhubaneswar: After a four-day strike, private buses have resumed operations across Odisha, providing relief to thousands of passengers.
According to reports, the buses are now plying on various routes, including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Sambalpur, among others.
The strike was called by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangh, which had been demanding written assurances from the state government on several issues. However, after negotiations with the government, the private bus owners’ association decided to prioritise passenger interests and resume bus services.
The bus owners’ association announced that they would no longer support the Driver Mahasangh’s strike, which had caused significant disruptions to passengers and financial losses to bus operators. With the resumption of bus services, passengers can now travel conveniently.
It is pertinent to mention that the Odisha Driver Mahasangh has put forth a list of demands, which includes the inclusion of auto drivers in the Odisha Motor Transport Drivers and Workers Welfare Board. Additionally, they are seeking pension benefits for drivers after they turn 60 years.
The Mahasangh is also demanding that drivers who lose their lives in accidents should receive insurance coverage of Rs 20 lakh. In comparison, those who are injured in accidents should be provided with Rs 5 lakh for medical treatment. Furthermore, they want the construction of restrooms and toilets for drivers every 100 km to ensure their well-being during long drives.
Other demands include regulating driving hours to prevent fatigue, reducing the driving license fee to less than Rs 15,000, and reserving 70% of driver jobs in mines, quarries, and factories for local drivers.
