The All Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association has withdrawn its call for a statewide strike that was scheduled to begin on January 24. The decision came after discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Transport Minister, and senior officials.
Association secretary Debendra Sahu confirmed the development, stating that the leadership decided to call off the agitation after the government addressed their concerns in a meeting held on Friday.
The strike had been announced in protest against the expansion of the government-run Mo Bus Service (MBS), which private operators claimed would encroach on their existing route permits and create unfair competition in fares, ultimately threatening their livelihoods.
While some localised issues reportedly persist in Jagatsinghpur district, the association has withdrawn the statewide action. The move brings significant relief to thousands of daily commuters who would have faced severe travel disruptions.
The resolution marks a temporary truce between private operators and the government amid ongoing transport sector reforms in Odisha.
