Private bus operators in Odisha suspended their proposed statewide strike scheduled for June 10 after holding discussions with government officials, offering temporary relief to thousands of commuters.
The decision came after a meeting between the State Private Bus Owners’ Association and the Transport Commissioner. Association General Secretary Debendra Kumar Sahoo announced that the strike would not be held on June 10. He warned, however, that if the government fails to address their demands by June 29, operators may resume agitation and launch a strike after June 30.
Sahoo explained that the State Transport Authority (STA) will prepare a proposal for bus fare revision based on 14 parameters. The government will then examine the proposal before taking a final decision.
The development follows the recent fare hike announced by the Odisha government on June 2, 2026, after diesel prices surged. Ordinary bus fares increased from 90 paise to 92 paise per kilometre, express buses from 94 paise to 96 paise, deluxe buses from Rs 1.31 to Rs 1.35 per kilometre, AC deluxe buses from Rs 1.59 to Rs 1.63 per kilometre, and super deluxe buses from Rs 2.47 to Rs 2.53 per kilometre.
Despite the revision, bus owners argue that rising operational costs, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and overheads, continue to strain private operators. They demand a more substantial fare hike and higher annual maintenance charges.
