In the wake of a tragic accident involving a Ama Bus that claimed the life of an auto-rickshaw driver and injured a student near Rupali Square, the Odisha government has swung into action to overhaul the public bus service’s safety and operations.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed a high-level review meeting on Sunday, leading to the formation of a five-member committee tasked with stringent monitoring and reforms.
The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, included key officials such as Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, CRUT Managing Director Sanjay Biswal, DCP Jagmohan Meena, and Traffic DCP. Padhee announced the committee’s establishment to ensure enhanced safety, disciplined management, and better passenger services. Comprising the Transport Commissioner, DCP, Traffic DCP, and senior CRUT officials, the panel will convene every 15 days to review operations, safety measures, and service quality, with provisions for emergency meetings as needed.
“To prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring, we’re implementing comprehensive steps,” Padhee told the media. Driver recruitment processes will be tightened, with mandatory rigorous training, evaluations of driving skills, road safety awareness, lane discipline, and behavioural standards before appointment. For the next month, the entire system will be under strict surveillance to enforce compliance.
In response to the Saturday accident, which Padhee described as “extremely unfortunate,” an ongoing investigation will determine accountability. To promote positive conduct, outstanding drivers and conductors will receive monthly incentives. All operational buses will undergo daily mechanical inspections to confirm roadworthiness. Additionally, mini buses will be integrated with Ama Bus routes to improve last-mile connectivity and operational efficiency.
Statistics highlight the urgency: From February to December 2025, Ama Bus-related accidents resulted in 7 fatalities and 97 injuries. To curb violations, lane driving has been made mandatory, with police and traffic authorities monitoring via smart city surveillance systems.
Enforcement has intensified, including checks for drunk driving. Transport Commissioner Thakur led special teams starting from the Master Canteen bus stand, extending to all police station areas. Breathalyser tests are now routine, even during daytime, with strict action promised against violators.
In a dramatic incident during Sunday’s checks, one Ama Bus attempted to evade inspection near Master Canteen, leading to a police chase; it was apprehended near Damana Square, seized by Kharavel Nagar police, and the driver was detained for questioning. CCTV footage captured the escape attempt.
Chief Minister Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the Rupali Square incident, announcing Rs 4 lakh in ex-gratia from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the deceased auto driver’s family. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured student and instructed the Transport Department to coordinate with CRUT for systemic improvements.
The accidents have sparked public outrage. On Sunday, another Ama Bus caused a serial collision near Omfed Chowk, leading to a massive traffic jam. Agitated locals blocked over 15 buses, creating tense scenes until Maitri Vihar police intervened to restore order.
In protest, members of the Online Auto Mahasangha gheraoed the CRUT bus depot in Ghatikia, decrying Ama Bus as “Yama Doot” (messenger of death). Demonstrators performed symbolic rituals, “worshipping” a bus and pleading it to spare lives—a video of which has gone viral on social media. Auto drivers accused Mo Bus operators of reckless driving and arbitrary operations, demanding accountability.
To address these concerns, CM Majhi has mandated regular training for Ama Bus drivers and the formation of a special squad under the Commerce and Transport Department. This squad will conduct tests, with appointments only for those who pass. Fitness checks for all buses are also ordered, alongside efforts to foster empathy and responsibility among drivers.
The government reiterated its commitment to safe, reliable, and passenger-friendly public transport, emphasising accountability, efficiency, and safety. With Ama Bus accidents becoming a recurring issue in the capital, these measures aim to restore public confidence and prevent future tragedies.
