Bus services between state capital and Puri, Konark, Nimapara and Astaranga was severely hit today due to a strike called by the Bhubaneswar Bus Owners' Association following burning of three buses at Pipili yesterday.
The association's strike came a day after irate people set three private buses on fire following an accident where two elderly persons were killed. The Bhubaneswar Bus Owners' Association's call to stop service to Puri was supported by All Odisha Private Bus Owners' Association (AOPBOA).
The association has decided to continue the boycott till the state government gives assurance to fulfil their demands.
The association demanded compensation for the damage, waiving the EMIs (equated monthly instalments) of the vehicles destroyed in the arson and arrest of those involved in the torching.
Odisha Private Bus Owners' Association president Prakash Mishra said the bus owners need specific assurance from the government about the safety of buses and their staff members.
"If we do not receive any assurance from the State government within 2-4 days, an emergency meeting will be called upon by the State association to decide upon future course of action," Mishra said.
Bhubaneswar Bus Owners' Association secretary Barada Acharya said, "The bus owners should be compensated, government should instruct the insurance company for waiver of their instalments and the persons involved should be arrested immediately. If a passenger bus is unsafe at merely 50 metres away from a police station than it is very difficult to arrange passenger services in Odisha."
Commerce and Transport Minister Nrusingha Sahu said the Transport Commissioner has been directed to discuss the issue with Bus Owners' Association and resolve the matter.
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