Commuters across Jagatsinghpur district were left stranded on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as private bus operators initiated a strike to protest against the Odisha government’s Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.
The strike, called by the Jagatsinghpur District Bus Owners’ Association, saw private fleets being pulled off the roads, severely impacting transportation to major hubs including Cuttack, Paradip, Erasama, Machhgaon, Balikuda, Naugaon, and Kujang.
Core Conflict: Financial Viability
The primary grievance of the private bus owners lies in the “unfair competition” created by the state’s MBS buses. According to the association, the government-run buses are operating from various blocks to the district headquarters at a highly subsidized fare of just ₹5.
Private operators argue that it is financially impossible to match such low fares while maintaining valid route permits and covering operational costs. “We are facing severe financial losses. How can we sustain the operations at such a low rate,” stated Pritesh Mishra, a private bus owner.
Demands of the Association
The bus owners have put forward two primary options for the state government to resolve the impasse:
Cease Operations: Stop plying MBS buses on routes that overlap with private bus permits.
Integration: Take over private vehicles and operate them under the MBS scheme by paying the owners a fixed rate per kilometer.
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Public Impact
The sudden halt in services led to chaotic scenes at the Jagatsinghpur and Paradip bus stands. Thousands of passengers, many unaware of the strike, were forced to rely on private cabs and auto-rickshaws, which reportedly charged exorbitant fares due to the high demand.
Government Response
The administration has taken a firm stance against the strike. Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Deepak Kumar Sethy confirmed receiving representations from the Jagatsinghpur and Paradip bus owners’ associations but reiterated the government’s commitment to the scheme.
Following a discussion with Jagatsinghpur Collector J Sonal, the RTO clarified that the MBS buses will continue to ply from blocks to the district headquarters as planned. The administration has warned of “stern action” against the protesters, including the potential filing of FIRs against individuals found obstructing the operation of government-run buses.