Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the death of an auto-rickshaw driver in a collision involving an ‘Ama Bus’ at Rupali Square in Bhubaneswar. The Chief Minister instructed the state Transport Department to work with the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) to reduce accidents related to ‘Ama Bus’ services and enhance road safety. He announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victim’s family and wished a speedy recovery to an injured student.
Expressing concern over the frequent accidents involving ‘Ama Bus’ services, the Chief Minister urged the Transport Department to collaborate with CRUT to address the issue and enhance road safety. He emphasized the importance of improving the skills of ‘Ama Bus’ drivers through regular training programs focusing on driving skills, as well as the physical and mental well-being of the drivers. The Chief Minister also recommended including modules to instill sensitivity and responsibility among the drivers.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister directed Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) to conduct regular fitness checks of ‘Ama Bus’ vehicles and advised the Commerce and Transport Department to establish a dedicated squad for systematic bus fitness inspections. To prevent similar incidents, he suggested regular reviews and sustained efforts to bring about tangible improvements in the overall situation.
