Normal life was affected on Thursday in several parts of the State as transporters, especially bus and truck operators, went on strike protesting a Bill that makes punishment for traffic violations much more stringent. Passengers were left stranded at different bus-stands due to the strike, which was a part of the nationwide agitation by major trade unions of the country.
In Bhubaneswar, taking the benefit of the bus strike, the auto-rickshaws made good business. But some private buses were seen plying in the city defying their associations’ bandh call. The transporters led by various trade unions in the State demanded repeal of the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014 which advocates for heavy penalties for rash driving, drunken driving and for over-speeding.
A bus owner said the Centre has to take their concerns into account before putting the bill in the cabinet for approval. He said the penalties, along with the proposed norms on testing of vehicles, road-worthiness, licensing, among others, are too stringent. Transport Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi said the transporters could send their demands to the Central Government for correction.