Private Bus Fares Increased in Odisha Following Fuel Price Hike

Bus Owners’ Association Announces Revised Fare Structure

Private bus fares in Odisha have been increased after the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre. The Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association announced the revised fare rates, which came into effect from today.

According to the association, the fare revision was necessary due to rising operational costs caused by the fuel price increase.

Ordinary and Express Bus Fares Revised

The fare for ordinary buses has been increased by 2 paise per kilometre. Earlier, passengers were paying 88 paise per kilometre, which has now risen to 90 paise.

Similarly, the fare for express buses has gone up from 92 paise to 94 paise per kilometre.

Deluxe and Premium Bus Charges Also Increased

The fare for deluxe buses has been revised from Rs 1.27 per kilometre to Rs 1.31 per kilometre.

Super deluxe bus fares have increased from Rs 1.55 to Rs 1.59 per kilometre.

Likewise, the fare for super premium buses has gone up from Rs 2.41 to Rs 2.47 per kilometre.

The information was shared by Debendra Sahu, General Secretary of the State Private Bus Owners’ Association.

Transport Department Holds High-Level Meeting

Meanwhile, a crucial meeting was held at the office of the State Transport Authority (STA) to address concerns related to fuel supply and transport disruptions in the state.

The meeting, chaired by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, continued for nearly an hour. Representatives from major oil companies and bus and truck owners’ associations participated in the discussion.

Officials discussed measures to ensure uninterrupted transport services despite concerns over fuel availability.

Dedicated Fuel Pumps to Be Identified for Buses

During the meeting, the Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Federation proposed identifying two to three petrol pumps in every district exclusively for passenger buses.

The move aims to ensure that buses do not get stranded midway due to diesel shortages.

Under the proposal, only buses would be allowed to refuel from these designated pumps during emergency situations.

Oil Companies Assure Normal Supply Within 48 Hours

Representatives from major oil companies including IOCL, BPCL and HPCL informed the meeting about the current fuel supply situation in Odisha.

The companies agreed to the proposal put forward by the bus owners’ association and assured that the fuel supply situation across the state would return to normal within the next 48 hours.

An IOCL official also clarified that there is currently no major fuel crisis in Odisha.