Elderly Woman Critical After Being Hit by Ama Bus in Puri; Locals Stage Protest

Puri: An elderly woman was critically injured after being struck by a government-operated Ama Bus on Nabakalebar Road in Puri district on Thursday.

The bus, traveling from Matiapada to Atharanala, reportedly hit the woman while she was crossing the road.

She sustained severe leg injuries and was rushed to Puri Medical College and Hospital. Doctors later referred her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to her critical condition. Her identity has not yet been disclosed.

Following the accident, local residents staged a road blockade on Nabakalebar Road, disrupting traffic for several hours.

Protesters demanded urgent repairs to the road and called for it to be converted into a one-way route to prevent further mishaps.

They also criticized the recurring accidents involving Ama Buses in the region.

The bus belongs to Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which operates electric buses across Odisha.

CRUT officials announced a compensation of ₹50,000 as per policy, but locals argued the amount was inadequate and demanded full medical coverage along with higher compensation.

Police from Kumbharpada station intervened to pacify the protesters and cleared the blockade. The bus driver has been detained for investigation.

Residents pointed out that similar accidents involving Ama Buses have occurred recently in Bhubaneswar, raising broader concerns about road safety and bus operations.

CRUT has assured a thorough inquiry and promised support to the victim’s family.