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What was once hailed as a convenient urban transport service, Ama Bus (formerly Mo Bus), has become a source of fear for commuters in Odisha’s capital. Launched as Mo Bus in 2018 and rebranded as Ama Bus in early 2025 to signify shared ownership, the service has repeatedly failed to guarantee safety, raising serious concerns over road discipline and supervision.

Latest Incident on Janpath Sparks Protests

The most recent mishap occurred on Friday, January 23, 2026, when an Ama Bus collided with a motorcycle on the busy Janpath road. The rider sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

Enraged locals retaliated by damaging three buses and chasing away drivers and employees. Traffic came to a standstill for hours before police restored order using mild lathi charge. The bus driver was arrested, and vehicles involved were impounded for investigation.

A Pattern of Tragedies

This incident follows a string of accidents in recent weeks:

• January 4, 2026: A high-speed Ama Bus collided with a moving auto-rickshaw at Rupali Square, killing the driver and critically injuring passengers.

• Same week: An Ama Bus hit a 60-year-old woman on Nabakalebar Road, Puri, leaving her with serious leg injuries; she was treated at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar.

Since mid-2024, Ama Buses have been involved in over 25 crashes, resulting in at least 10 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to records.

Upgrades Fail to Restore Confidence

Despite safety upgrades, including CCTV cameras, sirens, and driver alert systems, public confidence has not been restored. Commuters remain anxious, fearing that another accident could occur at any time.

Government Response and Safety Measures

The Odisha government has taken steps to address the crisis, including:

• Announcing ex-gratia payments for victims.

• Setting up a review committee to investigate safety lapses.

• Planning to hire women drivers to improve discipline and accountability.

However, questions remain over enforcement of speed regulations and safe driving practices, leaving citizens uncertain about when the roads will truly become safe.

Commuters Demand Accountability

As incidents continue to pile up, public frustration is growing. Safety advocates and locals are urging stricter monitoring, accountability for drivers, and stricter traffic enforcement to prevent further tragedies.

The Ama Bus service, once a symbol of modern urban transport, now faces an uphill battle to restore trust among Odisha’s commuters.

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Tension gripped Deogarh district on Tuesday during a 12-hour bandh called by the District Women’s Unity Forum demanding round-the-clock healthcare services at the old Deogarh hospital. The protest led to disruptions across the district, including a major traffic blockade and a confrontation involving senior administrative officials.

Sub-Collector’s Vehicle Targeted During Protest

The situation escalated when a group of agitators allegedly stopped the vehicle of the Sub-Collector and attempted to damage it by striking its window with sticks. Police personnel present at the spot intervened promptly, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of the official.

Highway Blockade Disrupts Traffic

As part of the bandh, protesters blocked National Highway-49 at Rajamunda Square, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. The blockade caused severe inconvenience to commuters and transport operators, with long queues of vehicles reported on both sides of the highway.

Police later detained several protesters to clear the road, after which traffic movement was gradually restored.

Police Deployment to Maintain Law and Order

Following the incidents, additional police forces were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order. While the situation was brought under control, a tense atmosphere continued to prevail in parts of the district throughout the day.

Protesters Cite Neglect of Healthcare Demands

The District Women’s Unity Forum accused the administration of ignoring repeated representations seeking the introduction of 24-hour medical services at the old Deogarh hospital. According to the organisation, the bandh was called as a last resort after their demands remained unaddressed for a long time.

Allegations of Excessive Police Action

One of the protesters alleged that the police resorted to unnecessary intervention while people were peacefully pressing their demands. Holding the government responsible for the delay in improving healthcare facilities, the protester warned that the agitation could be intensified if corrective measures are not taken soon.

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