The safety record of the Ama Bus service, operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) in Odisha, has come under severe scrutiny following a sharp rise in fatal accidents. Public anxiety is mounting as these buses, formerly known as Mo Bus, have been implicated in a series of tragic incidents resulting in multiple deaths and injuries across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
A Trail of Tragedy: Recent Fatal Accidents
According to reports, Ama Buses have been involved in more than 25 accidents since June 2024, a disturbing tally that has led to 10 confirmed fatalities and left numerous others injured. The most recent tragedy occurred on a Friday night on the Chandaka–Bharatpur Road near Andharua. An Ama Bus, en route to Bharatpur from Chandaka, struck and killed a 35-year-old biker, Lokanath Das, on the spot. Witnesses stated that the biker, a native of Jagatsinghpur residing in Pathargadia, lost control after hitting a pothole, and the bus coming from behind ran him over.
The incident sparked immediate tension at the location, prompting Chandaka police to rush to the scene to control the situation. The authorities seized the bus and detained its driver. A case of reckless driving has been registered, and an investigation is currently in progress.
This was not an isolated event. On December 5, a 51-year-old motorist died after being run over by an Ama Bus on NH-16 near Satsang Vihar. Earlier, on July 15, a man was knocked down by a bus near Barang, and on February 2, a minor girl lost her life in a similar incident in Raghunathpur.
High Court Directive Fails to Curb the Menace
The alarming frequency of these accidents had already drawn public and judicial attention. Earlier this year, on July 16, a leading newspaper highlighted the grave road safety concerns linked to Ama Buses. Taking suo motu cognisance of this report, the Orissa High Court later that month directed CRUT to implement strict safety measures.
However, the directive appears to have had limited effect. Data indicates that from July to December this year, Ama Bus accidents have claimed at least two more lives and injured over 16 people. This continuation of incidents post the court order has raised serious questions about the efficacy of the corrective actions taken.
Official Response and Activist Concerns
Expressing deep concern, road safety activist P V Raman stated, "The accidents caused by Ama Buses are highly alarming. Despite having safety measures in place, accidents are not coming down. It is high time that authorities look after the real reasons behind this."
In response to the criticism, CRUT officials have outlined the steps they are taking. A senior official mentioned that the organization regularly conducts training sessions for drivers and administers a safety pledge to them. "We have also installed CCTVs on the buses and have been monitoring the drivers’ behaviour," the official added, emphasizing their commitment to safety protocols.
Nevertheless, the persistent spike in accidents suggests a gap between policy and on-ground implementation. The community and safety advocates are now demanding a more rigorous and transparent investigation into the root causes—which may include driver training quality, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, and traffic management—to prevent further loss of innocent lives on the streets of Odisha's capital region.
