In response to the indefinite strike by the Baripada Bus Owners Association in Mayurbhanj district, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has stepped in to maintain essential transportation services. The strike, which started after a violent clash between two groups on Friday night, has severely disrupted bus services in the region.
OSRTC Deploys 14 Buses
To address the disruption, OSRTC has deployed 14 buses from Sunday to ensure connectivity from Baripada to other areas. The key routes covered by these buses include:
- Udala
- Kaptipada
- Jaleswar
- Balasore
Government’s Assurance
RTO Biswaraj Behera assured the public that the government prioritizes maintaining essential services, including transportation. He acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the strike, which has led to increased fares and difficulty for commuters in reaching their destinations. “Following the state government’s directive, OSRTC has engaged 14 buses to maintain connectivity,” Behera stated.
Meeting for Possible Resumption
Meanwhile, the North Odisha Bus Owners Association held a meeting in Betnoti, Mayurbhanj, on Sunday to discuss the possible resumption of bus services from Monday. Representatives from private bus services in Basudevpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jaleswar attended the meeting.
Background of the Strike
The bus strike began following a violent incident on Friday night, where a mob of more than 100 attacked private bus owners, drivers, helpers, supervisors, and the president of the Baripada Bus Owners Association, Sunil Kumar Das. The attack, which involved sharp weapons, left six people critically wounded, including a bus owner.
Arrests and Legal Action
In response to the violence, the Bhanjpur police arrested 10 individuals from both sides on Saturday. These individuals were remanded in judicial custody after their bail petitions were rejected.
By deploying additional buses, OSRTC aims to mitigate the impact of the strike on commuters and ensure that essential travel needs are met. The situation remains dynamic, with efforts ongoing to resolve the strike and restore normal bus services.
Source : newindianexpress
