Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a recent unfortunate incident involving an Ama Bus, a high-level review meeting on the safety, operation, and management of Ama Bus services was held today, following instructions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The meeting was chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department. Senior officials present included Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, CRUT Managing Director Sanjaya Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena, the Traffic DCP, and other officers.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Padhee announced the constitution of a five-member high-level committee under her chairmanship to ensure stricter monitoring, improved operational discipline, and enhanced safety of Ama Bus services. The committee comprises the Transport Commissioner, DCP, Traffic DCP, and a senior CRUT officer.
The committee will meet once every 15 days to review operational performance, safety measures, and passenger services, and may convene meetings at any time, if required, to address urgent issues.
Padhee stated that additional mini buses will be added to the Ama Bus fleet to improve operational efficiency and last-mile connectivity. She further noted that the driver recruitment process will be strengthened. Newly recruited drivers will undergo rigorous training, and before induction, a mandatory five-day evaluation and testing process will be conducted to assess driving skills, road safety awareness, lane discipline, and behavioral standards.
A close watch on overall management will be maintained for the next month to ensure strict compliance with safety and operational norms.
Terming yesterday’s incident “deeply unfortunate,” Padhee said that every possible step will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such events. An investigation into the incident is underway, and accountability will be determined once the inquiry is completed.
To promote positive conduct, drivers and conductors demonstrating exemplary behavior will be provided monthly incentives. It was also decided that the mechanical condition of all operational buses will be checked daily to ensure roadworthiness.
Sharing accident data, officials informed that from February to December 2025, seven persons lost their lives and 97 others were injured in Ama Bus-related accidents.
To strengthen traffic discipline, lane driving has been made compulsory for Ama Bus services. The Police and Traffic Police will monitor the movement of Ama Buses through the Smart City surveillance system.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and commuter-friendly public transport services, with a strong emphasis on accountability, enforcement, and passenger safety.
