The Odisha Driver Mahasangha on Tuesday launched a state-wide indefinite strike, bringing transport services in several districts to a standstill.
The protest, spearheaded by union president Prashant Menduli, seeks attention to a seven-point charter of demands primarily focused on improving driver welfare and opposing recent policy changes.
A central grievance involves the Odisha government’s decision to grant vehicle-checking authority to the police, a responsibility that traditionally rested with the Transport Department. The drivers’ union argues that this change could open the door to harassment and misuse of power, especially for drivers already operating under high pressure and limited support systems.
In a broader appeal for recognition and dignity, the union has demanded that the state officially declare September 1 as ‘Driver’s Day’ to honor the contribution of drivers to Odisha’s economy. Other demands include the construction of rest shelters and toilet facilities at designated vehicle parking zones and the extension of welfare benefits to auto-rickshaw drivers, who remain largely excluded from the current welfare framework.
Despite the widespread nature of the protest, the union emphasized that drivers associated with essential services—such as ambulances, fire brigades, and disaster response vehicles—would be exempt to avoid disruptions to critical services. “We are ensuring that this protest remains peaceful and does not inconvenience the public unnecessarily,” Menduli assured.
As of the latest updates, the state government has yet to issue an official statement, although officials from the Transport and Home departments are said to be closely monitoring the situation. The strike marks another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the rights, recognition, and regulation of transport workers in Odisha.
