The ongoing state-wide strike by the All Odisha Driver Mahasangha entered its third day on Thursday, crippling transport services across the state and disrupting daily life.
Despite multiple rounds of discussions with the Odisha government, there has been no breakthrough, with the union refusing to end its “steering wheel off” agitation.
Thousands of drivers remain off duty, demanding action on a seven-point charter, including:
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Inclusion of auto-rickshaw drivers in the Driver Welfare Board
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Public toilets every 100 km along highways
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Protection from assaults
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Preference for Odia drivers in mining-related transport jobs
Although high-level meetings—one at the Transport Minister’s residence and another at Kharavela Bhavan—were held on Wednesday, no formal assurances have been made. Notably, union president Prashant Menduli was absent, delaying any final resolution as local union leaders await his input.
While passenger transport and goods movement have been severely hit in several districts, emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks remain unaffected. The union has also allowed uninterrupted supply of essential goods to avoid a full-blown crisis.
