Private Bus Operators in Odisha Announce 24-Hour Strike Over State Scheme

Odisha : Private bus operators in 14 districts of Odisha have announced a 24-hour strike starting at 6 PM on Monday, protesting against the state government's initiative to run LAccMI buses connecting blocks to district headquarters.

The strike, which will last until 6 PM on Tuesday, affects several districts, including Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Bolangir, Subarnapur, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sundargarh, and Deogarh. Prabodh Rath, president of the Kalahandi Private Bus Owners' Association, stated, "We don't want to create problems for commuters. However, for our livelihood, we have called the strike opposing the state government's decision to run LAccMI buses from blocks to district headquarters."

At least 25 private bus owners' associations are participating in the strike. Pravin Khamari, convenor of the Western and Southern Odisha Private Bus Owner's Association, emphasized that while the LAccMI buses were initially intended to operate between panchayats and blocks, they have begun providing services between blocks and district headquarters at subsidized fares. He said, "The private buses which have valid route permits are facing acute financial losses because of it."

Khamari warned that if the government fails to address their concerns post-strike, they will escalate their agitation. The strike coincides with the Durga Puja festival, raising concerns about disruptions to transportation services during this busy period.

In response to the situation, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena affirmed the state government's commitment to providing affordable bus services to the public. He also mentioned that a meeting with bus operators' representatives has been scheduled for Monday morning to discuss their grievances.