In a proactive move to prevent any breakdown in public transport services, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) on Friday held a high-level meeting with bus and truck owners’ associations and major oil companies.
The meeting, chaired by the Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur under the direct instructions of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, has resulted in concrete short-term solutions that promise to keep wheels turning across the state.
Bus and truck operators had recently raised concerns over inadequate fuel availability. Taking the complaints seriously, the STA has rolled out a practical plan to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply without affecting daily commuters, freight movement, or the state’s economy.
Key decisions taken during the meeting include:
- Dedicated reserved outlets in every district: Special retail petrol pumps will be identified and kept exclusively for buses and trucks. Vehicle owners will submit a list of the outlets they have been using so that these specific pumps maintain sufficient fuel stock at all times.
- Highway convenience for trucks: Additional petrol pumps along National Highways in each district will be designated for heavy vehicles, with daily fuel requirements monitored directly by the government and oil companies.
- Strong message against rumours: Authorities have appealed to all stakeholders not to believe or spread any unverified information regarding fuel availability.
Transport department officials present at the meeting gave a clear assurance: “Public transport services will remain completely normal. There will be no inconvenience to passengers or goods movement.”
The swift response from the minister and STA reflects the government’s commitment to smooth mobility and passenger safety. For thousands of daily commuters who rely on state buses and for businesses dependent on truck transport, this development brings much-needed relief.
Senior officials from the Transport Department also attended the meeting to ensure quick implementation of the decisions. With these measures in place, Odisha’s roads are set to stay busy, and buses and trucks fully fuelled — proving once again that proactive governance can turn potential problems into smooth solutions.
