Private bus operators in Odisha have threatened to launch a statewide strike from December 1 if the government authorises police to conduct motor vehicle inspections.
The Private Bus Owners’ Association announced that it will suspend services across the state if the proposal moves forward.
Association secretary Debendra Sahu said the government’s plan has triggered serious concerns among bus operators. He argued that police intervention could lead to unnecessary obstruction and penalties. Sahu recalled that similar powers were withdrawn nearly four decades ago when police admitted they could not manage the responsibility. Since then, motor vehicle checks have taken place without police involvement, except for enforcement against two-wheeler riders under Section 184, which the association supported.
Sahu added that police intervention has gradually expanded in recent years. The association previously submitted a memorandum urging the government not to revive the authority. Despite objections, reports suggest the state government intends to proceed.
The association scheduled a general body meeting on November 25 to decide its next steps. Sahu confirmed that if the government formally grants these powers, private buses across Odisha will remain off the roads from December 1.
The association appealed to the government to reconsider the decision, warning that a strike would severely disrupt daily commuters who rely on bus services for travel. The looming confrontation highlights growing tension between transport operators and authorities over regulatory control.
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