Odisha Private Bus Operators Threaten To Stop Services From Nov 16: Know Their Demands

Bhubaneswar: The private transport operators in the state have threatened to stop plying the buses, if the government does not bring down diesel price for them by November 15.

Speaking to the media persons, secretary of the All Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association Debendra Sahu said it was decided at the association’s general council meeting on Tuesday that they will wait for the government decision on their demand till November 15. If no decision is taken by then, the operators will pull off the buses from the roads from next day.

Sahu said at present, only 60% of the buses are operating in the state due to rising fuel costs. As the operators have already sustained heavy loss, they need to be compensated to remain in business.

Stating that they had earlier sought government loan of Rs 1 lakh for each bus owner to resume services after the buses went off the road due to COVID induced lockdown, Sahu said the government is yet to consider the demand.

“Now, we appeal to the government to slash diesel price for the bus owners as well as the fare for the commuters to continue the bus services smoothly. If the government does not take a decision by November 15, we will be forced to stop the bus services,” Sahu said.

It may be noted that an estimated 14,000 private buses were operating in the state before the pandemic.