In the past eight months, at least six people have lost their lives and 18 others sustained injuries in accidents involving Mo Bus services across Cuttack, Puri, and Bhubaneswar.
The alarming statistics were revealed in a written response by Urban Development Minister Krushna Mohapatra to a query by BJD MLA Arun Sahoo in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. According to the report, Mo Bus vehicles were involved in 19 accidents from June 2024 to date.
Limited Compensation Provided
Despite multiple fatal incidents, compensation was granted in only two cases, where the families of the deceased received ₹3.05 lakh each. Following public concerns, the government has now introduced a series of measures to enhance passenger and pedestrian safety.
Speed Limits and Safety Enhancements
To curb accidents, the Odisha government has imposed strict speed limits on Mo Bus services:
Diesel buses: Maximum speed capped at 40 km/h
Electric buses: Speed restricted to 35 km/h
Additionally, the government is planning to install Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in all buses to monitor driver behavior and prevent reckless driving.
Accident Review Committee Formed
To further improve safety, the government has set up an Accident Review Committee to investigate each incident and suggest preventive measures. The committee’s findings will be crucial in shaping future policies to enhance urban transport safety in Odisha.
