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Key Points

Odisha faces a transport crisis as bus and truck drivers begin an indefinite strike over six key demands including pensions and better facilities. Stranded passengers at Bhubaneswar terminals report chaos with no clarity on resumption of services. The strike has disrupted both passenger travel and goods movement statewide. Transport Minister Jena acknowledges some legitimate grievances and promises discussions to end the deadlock.

Key Points: Odisha Bus Truck Strike Strands Passengers Over Driver Demands

  • Drivers demand pension, restrooms & job reservations in mining sector
  • Passengers stranded with no transport updates or alternatives
  • Goods transportation severely impacted across Odisha
  • Transport Minister assures talks to resolve genuine driver demands
2 min read

Transportation services hit in Odisha as bus, truck drivers cease work in indefinite strike; passengers stranded

Odisha transport services paralyzed as drivers' indefinite strike leaves passengers stranded, goods movement disrupted over welfare demands.

"We’ve been sitting here for hours... There is no clear communication. We’re tired and helpless. – Stranded passenger at Bhubaneswar bus terminal"

Bhubaneswar, July 8

Transportation services were affected severely across the state as the Odisha Driver Mahasangha, an association of truck and bus drivers, on Tuesday launched the 'cease work strike' for an indefinite period over six key demands. The strike left many passengers stranded and harassed.

The private bus and truck owners’ association of Odisha has also lent support to the cease work strike by the drivers.

The strike has left the passengers in a lurch as many people were seen stranded at bus stops helplessly waiting for just any vehicle to reach their destinations.

The transportation of goods has also been severely affected due to the strike.

“We came from Kolkata by private bus and were supposed to return today. But we’ve been stuck here since morning with no clear update on whether buses will run or not. It's very confusing and troubling,” said a man from Murshidabad in West Bengal stranded at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal, Bhubaneswar.

Echoing similar concerns, another passenger said, “We’ve been sitting here for hours. Some say the buses will run, some say they won’t. There is no clear communication. We’re tired and helpless.”

The passengers urged the Odisha government to take swift action to resolve the deadlock.

The association has called the strike demanding inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers' Welfare Board, pension for drivers above 60 years of age, restrooms and toilet facilities at regular intervals, parking slots at every 100 km and laws to ensure driver security from public threat.

They have also demanded that at least 70 per cent jobs for drivers in the mining and industrial areas of the state be reserved for Odisha drivers.

The drivers have also demanded that the government acknowledge their contribution to the transport sector and declare September 1 as the National Drivers' Day.

Speaking about the strike call, Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Tuesday said that the state government will hold discussions with drivers’ association over their demands.

He also stated that some of the demands of the drivers were genuine and assured that the stalemate would be solved through discussions with the drivers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Drivers' demands for basic facilities like restrooms and job security are completely valid. We take their services for granted but forget they work in tough conditions. Hope the government resolves this soon 🙏 #SupportDrivers
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Aman W
The 70% job reservation demand for Odisha drivers makes sense - locals should get preference. But the strike method is too harsh. Couldn't they give ultimatum first? Now essential goods transport is affected too.
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Sarah B
As a tourist in Odisha, this situation is very stressful. No proper information anywhere. Had to pay triple fare for a taxi to reach Puri. Authorities should at least arrange temporary transport alternatives during such crises.
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Vikram M
The pension demand for drivers above 60 is reasonable. These people drive our economy literally! But strikes shouldn't be first option - dialogue should happen regularly. Transport Minister's response seems positive though 🤞
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Nisha Z
While I sympathize with stranded passengers, we must understand drivers work 12-14 hour shifts without basic facilities. No toilets, no proper rest areas. Their demands are basic worker rights. Hope this gets resolved with dignity for all.

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