Key Points

The drivers of private buses, trucks, taxis and commercial vehicles have joined a strike since Tuesday over various demands, including the formation of a drivers' welfare fund, pension benefits after 60 years, legal protection from public hostility and designated parking lots and rest rooms with basic facilities every 100 km.

Vice-President of Odisha Drivers Federation Santosh Sahu on Thursday said that the association demands government assistance to drivers in case of post-accident violence and inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers Union.

"Today is the third day of our strike, and we will continue the strike till our demands are met. Our demands are parking and toilet facilities, government assistance to drivers in case of post-accident violence, inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers Union, and 70% of the drivers should be from the state... There has been no clear assurance from the government on these demands," he added.

A passenger, Virendra Singh, said that everyone across the state is facing issues due to the protest, urging the government to resolve the drivers' demands. "I had to pay extra Rs 1600 for my commute, as the transport services have been halted... The government must listen to the drivers' demands... Everyone across the state is facing issues," he said.

The strike has crippled transportation, leaving hundreds of people stranded at various bus stands. Fear of a fuel shortage has also led to long queues at fuel stations.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after attending the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in Ranchi, said that next year the 28th Eastern Zonal Council meeting will be held in Odisha's Puri.

The Chief Minister said that he had proposed to hold this meeting in Odisha next year and this was accepted by Union Minister Amit Shah and all other members. It was announced in the meeting that it will be held in Puri.

- ANI