Bhubaneswar: The recent surge in fatalities and critical injuries linked to the Ama Bus service has compelled the State Government of Odisha to initiate a systemic overhaul of its urban transit operations.
Following an executive directive from the Chief Minister, a high-level review was convened to address the structural failures that led to seven deaths and 97 injuries between February and December 2025. This intervention signifies a shift from reactive management to a framework of socio-legal accountability, as the government seeks to mitigate the lethal risks posed by the current public transport model.
The meeting, led by Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport resulted in the immediate formation of a five-member high-level oversight committee. Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur was present in the meeting.
This body, which includes the Transport Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, is tasked with institutionalizing operational discipline through fortnightly reviews. The committee’s mandate extends beyond mere administrative supervision; it represents a regulatory mechanism designed to enforce safety protocols that were previously neglected or inconsistently applied.
To address the causality of recent accidents, the recruitment and training of drivers will undergo a rigorous transformation. Prospective operators are now subject to a mandatory five-day psychometric and technical evaluation process, focusing on lane discipline, road safety awareness, and behavioral standards. This shift aims to eliminate the human error inherent in the previous induction system by ensuring that only those meeting high-stress operational criteria are permitted behind the wheel. To complement these human-centric reforms, a daily mechanical verification protocol has been mandated for every vehicle in the fleet to ensure roadworthiness and prevent equipment failure.
The enforcement strategy will leverage existing urban infrastructure, specifically the Smart City surveillance system, to monitor real-time movements and enforce compulsory lane driving. This integration of technological surveillance with traffic policing serves as a dual layer of deterrent and evidence-gathering. While the government has introduced monthly incentives for exemplary conduct among staff, the primary focus remains on the ongoing investigation into recent tragedies. Officials have emphasized that legal and professional accountability will be strictly enforced upon the conclusion of the inquiry, signaling a commitment to a transparent and safety-first public utility system.