In response to the train tragedy in Balasore that has left numerous passengers stranded in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, the Odisha state government has taken proactive measures to alleviate their plight. Starting on Sunday, the government initiated a free bus service to transport Kolkata-bound passengers back to their neighboring state, ensuring their safe return until normal train operations on the Balasore route are restored.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the free bus service, which will be funded through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The State Transport Authority (STA), in collaboration with both the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private bus associations, has organized nearly 50 buses to facilitate the transportation of stranded passengers to Kolkata. This arrangement aims to prevent passengers from being subjected to exorbitant ticket prices, as reported in some cases.
Passengers who had previously booked train tickets to Kolkata but are unable to travel due to train cancellations can avail themselves of the free bus service. The STA has set up helpline numbers for passengers to report any issues they encounter during their journey or if asked for tickets by unauthorized individuals on the buses. Additionally, those who had booked their tickets online can receive a refund of their ticket cost by presenting their tickets to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials stationed at the bus stands.
The buses are scheduled to depart from Bhubaneswar, with approximately 30 buses planned for Sunday night. The government is also providing free bus services from Puri, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Jajpur stations to assist passengers arriving from various states and intending to travel to Balasore and Bhadrak. Meanwhile, due to the disruption in train services, flight prices between Bhubaneswar and Kolkata have surged by nearly `11,800 for both Sunday and Monday, making the free bus service a vital alternative for stranded passengers.
The Odisha government’s initiative to provide free bus services demonstrates its commitment to passenger welfare and ensuring their safe return home during this challenging time. By leveraging both public and private transport resources, the government aims to alleviate the inconvenience faced by stranded passengers and reduce the financial burden imposed by unexpected disruptions. The efforts to restore normal train operations on the Balasore route are ongoing, and updates will be provided to the public as the situation progresses.
