Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has demanded that the increased bus fares announced by the state government be immediately withdrawn as it is an additional burden on an already heavy load.
CPI(M) state committee secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy said in a press release that the proposed fare hike will impose an additional financial burden on ordinary commuters, daily-wage workers, employees, students, farmers, small traders, and low and middle-income families.
“At a time when people are already struggling with rising prices and the increasing cost of living, this decision comes as yet another economic blow to the common people,” Panigrahy stated.
He acknowledged that operational difficulties faced by bus owners due to rising costs of diesel, tyres, lubricants, spare parts and other maintenance expenses cannot be ignored.
“However, it is not justified to transfer the entire burden of these increased costs directly onto passengers. The government cannot absolve itself of its responsibilities merely by increasing bus fares,” the party added.
