‘Killer’ Mo Buses Turn Bhubaneswar Roads Unsafe

Bhubaneswar: Fatal bus accidents in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are increasing at an alarming rate. Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT)-operated Mo Buses have been involved in several deadly mishaps, drawing comparisons with Delhi’s notorious Blueline buses.

Speeding and Poor Driver Training Endanger Lives

Despite speed governors, Mo Bus drivers often drive recklessly. Many lack proper training and operate at high speeds, posing a serious risk to road users. The absence of strict enforcement allows unskilled drivers to handle heavy city traffic.

No Coordination Between Authorities

The Housing and Urban Development Department, which oversees CRUT, lacks coordination with the Transport Department. Traffic police rarely penalize Mo Bus drivers, even when found drunk on duty. This negligence puts countless lives in danger.

Tragic Incident Near DN Regalia Mall

On Friday night, a Mo Bus hit two scooters near DN Regalia Mall in Bhubaneswar, killing a woman on the spot and injuring four others critically. The driver fled, but locals caught him and found him drunk. An angry mob vandalized the bus, but police arrived in time to prevent a lynching.

Expert Calls for Urgent Action

Road safety expert Subrat Nanda highlighted that earlier, Mo Bus drivers were trained at certified heavy vehicle institutes, which reduced accidents. However, the Urban and Housing Development Department no longer follows this practice, allowing untrained drivers to operate in high-traffic areas.

Steps to Prevent More Deaths

To stop these fatal accidents, the government must take strict action:

• File criminal cases against CRUT and reckless drivers in hit-and-run cases.
• Enforce routine checks on speed governors and Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD).
• Permanently cancel licenses of drivers involved in fatal accidents.
• Implement Automatic Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) for added safety.

Without these measures, Mo Bus accidents will continue to claim lives. The government must act now to ensure safer roads in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. urban transport.