Bhubaneswar: Following numerous complaints of harassment on buses, the authorities have decided to penalize male passengers found occupying seats meant for women in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The decision was taken at a meeting held between Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi, members of private bus owners’ associations and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) MD Arun Bothra at Police Seva Bhawan here on Tuesday.
The meeting stressed on ensuring sufficient seats to women passengers in both government-run and private buses since they are mostly harassed while standing.
Besides, a special toll-free number on which they can lodged such complaints will also be released.
The bus owners have been directed to ensure proper execution of the order, an official said, adding that bus staff have to be well-behaved and not consume liquor during duty hours,
