117 Ama Buses Halted in Bhubaneswar as Staff Protest Pending Salaries

Bhubaneswar, May 18: Commuters across the capital faced severe disruption today as 117 Ama Bus vehicles were pulled off the roads following a sit‑in protest by employees at the Bhagabanpur Depot in Patrapada.

The workers, demanding immediate payment of pending salaries and resolution of long‑standing grievances, vowed to continue their agitation until management provides concrete assurances.

The employees’ demands include timely disbursement of wages, regular EPF and ESI contributions, duty assignments capped at 30 per worker, and reforms in penalty structures.

Currently, fines in FC/FNC cases can reach Rs   5,000 along with five days’ suspension, which workers argue is excessive.

With 45 routes affected, thousands of daily commuters were left stranded, highlighting the critical role Ama Bus services play in Bhubaneswar’s public transport system.

The strike underscores growing tensions between employees and management, with the workforce insisting that only firm commitments will end the dharna.