Bhubaneswar: The Congress-led INDIA bloc has called a state-wide Odisha Bandh on Thursday. While the party has claimed that essential services will be kept out of the purview of the shutdown, several key transport services are set to remain off the roads.
Here’s a clear picture of what will be closed and what will remain open:
What Will Be Closed:- Auto-rickshaws: Auto services will remain completely shut across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar. Nikhil Odisha Auto Mahasangha General Secretary said more than 1 lakh autos will not ply tomorrow. In Bhubaneswar alone, around 20,000 autos that operate daily will stay off roads. The union said there is no insurance claim benefit in case of damage to vehicles during bandh, so drivers do not want to take risk.
Public Transport & Road Blockade: As per Congress, agitators will attempt to close railway stations, bus stands, government and private offices and block roads. Taxi and public transport services are likely to be affected. Protesters also plan to shut down courts, commercial establishments and supermarkets.
What Will Remain Open:- Essential Services Exempted: Congress has announced that essential services will be excluded from the bandh. Ambulances, medicine shops, hospitals and vehicles carrying patients will be allowed to ply. No one will be stopped from going for medical emergencies.
Students & Exams: Students appearing for examinations will not be stopped. Since half-yearly exams of Class 8 and 9 are underway, Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja said students and school vehicles will be exempted.
Private Buses: Private buses will operate as usual. Private Bus Owners Association President said buses will ply but appealed to the government to provide adequate security.- Petrol Pumps: Petrol Pump Owners Association said pumps will remain open. However, if picketing takes place near pumps, they will be forced to shut.
Essential Goods Supply: Cuttack Malgodam Traders Association said Malgodam will remain open to ensure supply of essential commodities. Meanwhile, police have made elaborate security arrangements. 18 platoons of police force will be deployed in the capital alone to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
