An elderly woman sustained serious injuries after being hit by a government-operated Ama Bus in Puri district on Friday morning.
The incident triggered protests and a road blockade by local residents, leading to traffic disruption on Nabakalebar Road.
According to reports, the bus was travelling from Matiapada to Atharanala when it struck the woman from behind while she was walking along the roadside. She suffered severe leg injuries and was rushed to Puri Medical College and Hospital. Doctors later referred her to AIIMS due to her critical condition. Her identity has not yet been disclosed.
The bus belongs to Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which operates electric bus services across Odisha. Following the accident, CRUT announced an immediate compensation of Rs 50,000 for the victim, in line with its standard policy. However, locals argued that the amount was insufficient and demanded that the government cover the full medical expenses along with adequate compensation.
Protesters blocked the road, blaming poor road conditions and a lack of pedestrian safety measures for repeated accidents in the area. They demanded that Nabakalebar Road be converted into a one-way route and repaired urgently. Police from Kumbharpada station reached the spot, pacified the protesters, and cleared the blockade. The bus driver has been detained for investigation.
Residents highlighted that several accidents involving Ama Buses have occurred in recent weeks, including in Bhubaneswar, exposing weaknesses in road safety management. CRUT officials assured a thorough inquiry and promised necessary support to the victim’s family.
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