Private Bus Owners Call Off Indefinite Strike In Odisha, Services Resume

Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association (AOPBOA) called off its indefinite strike and announced that the bus services will resume immediately after a meeting with Transport Minister Tukuni Sahi.

Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar at around 9 pm, AOPBOA secretary Debendra Sahu said they have decided to put the strike on hold till October 31. The decision has been taken after the meeting with the Transport minister in the evening, he added.

He further said since the Association has called off the strike, the bus owners can resume the services across the state immediately for the convenience of the passengers.

Earlier, the minister had said the private bus owners’ association had assured of withdrawing the strike and cooperating with the government in resumption of services. “We will hold discussions with the association again on Oct 26,” she said.

The bus services across Odisha were paralysed since the m0rning as the owners kept their vehicles off the road in response to the strike decision by the AOPBOA. Bus stands and stoppages wore deserted look as around 17,000 private buses stopped running, forcing the passengers to face tough time during Dussehra festival.

The AOPBOA stuck to its ground to continue the strike despite pressure from different quarters demanding a written assurance from the state government that Tier-2 service (panchayat to block level) under LAccMI scheme will be put on hold.

Also Read: Private Bus Strike: AOPBOA Sticks To Written Assurance From Odisha Govt, Passengers Face Tough Time