All-Odisha Private Bus Strike on January 24 Remains Unchanged

Cuttack: The private bus owners’ association on Thursday reaffirmed its call for an all-Odisha bus strike on January 24, stating that the decision remains unchanged despite discussions with state transport authorities.

Association General Secretary Debendra Sahu confirmed that the strike call is still intact. Earlier in the day, office bearers of the association met the State Transport Commissioner at the State Transport Authority (STA) office in Cuttack. During the meeting, it was decided to constitute district-level committees comprising the district Collector, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) Divisional General Manager, and representatives of the bus owners’ association to address the issues raised.

However, following a subsequent meeting at the association’s office, the bus owners reiterated that the strike would go ahead as scheduled.

The all-Odisha bus strike has been called in protest against the state government’s Mukhyamantri Bus Service, which operates services between blocks and district headquarters.

Sahu said that four district Collectors have agreed to the association’s demands, while the Jagatsinghpur district Collector is yet to take a decision. “The final call on the strike will be taken after we receive the response from the Jagatsinghpur district administration tomorrow,” he said.