6 Deaths In 19 ‘Mo Bus’ Accidents In 8 Months, Odisha Minister Tells Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Six persons died and 18 others sustained injuries in 19 accidents, involving ‘Mo Bus’, in the past 8 months in Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar, Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Patra told the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday.

Responding to a question by BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo, the minister said Rs 3,05,000 financial assistance was provided to the bereaved families in two cases in February this year. The bus operator also offers compensation through a comprehensive insurance policy for the injured and the families of the deceased, he said in a written reply.

Patra elaborated on the measures being taken by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which operates Mo Bus, to enhance the safety of passengers and prevent road accidents.

>> to check rash driving, the speed of electric buses is restricted to 35 km/h, while diesel buses are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 40 km/hr within city limits and at 50 km/h on national highways.

>> Buses are continuously monitored to ensure they do not exceed speed limits and stop only at designated bus stops.

>> To curb drunk driving, CRUT has been conducting surprise breathalyzer tests twice a day since November 9, 2024.

>> Continuous training programmes are being conducted for drivers and staff to enhance skills in safe driving practices, emergency response, and customer service.

>> A depot-level committee has been formed to investigate accidents and submit reports.

>> During depot audits and inspections, drivers are regularly reminded to adhere to speed limits and stop only at designated locations.

>> Buses are being equipped with the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on a pilot basis to prevent road accidents, and curb fatalities.