Ama Bus employees launched a sit‑in protest at Bhagabanpur Depot in Patrapada, demanding immediate payment of pending salaries and resolution of long‑standing issues.
The agitation began early in the morning and forced 117 buses across 45 routes to remain off the roads, causing severe inconvenience to daily commuters in Bhubaneswar.
Employees raised four major demands. They called for timely disbursement of salaries, regular deposit of EPF and ESI contributions, and a cap on duty assignments so that no worker is given more than 30 duties. They also opposed the current penalty system, insisting that fines in FC or FNC cases should not exceed Rs 500. Protesters objected to the existing practice of recovering Rs 5,000 along with five days of duty suspension.
The employees warned that they will continue the dharna until management provides a concrete resolution. The disruption has left thousands of commuters stranded, highlighting the dependence of the capital city on the Ama Bus services.
Officials have yet to announce a settlement, and the protest underscores growing unrest among transport workers over wage delays and punitive measures.
