Ama Bus accidents in twin cities: CM orders driver training, vehicle checks after fatal collision

Bhubaneswar: A day after an auto-rickshaw driver died in an accident involving an Ama Bus at Rupali Square here, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday expressed concern over frequent accidents caused by the buses in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.While announcing an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, the CM instructed officials to implement regular driver training programmes and conduct routine vehicle fitness inspections. Capital Region Urban Transport (Crut), which operates Ama Bus services, earlier announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh.“In response to the tragic accident at Rupali Square, which resulted in the death of Jajpur auto-rickshaw driver Vishnu Patra, the chief minister expressed profound grief and conveyed condolences to the deceased’s family. He announced assistance of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the closest relatives of the family,” the CMO said in a statement.Shortly after instructions from the CM, the commerce and transport department and police launched extensive checks on Ama Buses and their drivers in the twin cities. Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur led the inspection drive at Master Canteen depot.“The chief minister emphasised the need to improve the skills of Ama Bus drivers and instructed that regular training should be provided. He advised that the training process should focus on both the drivers’ skills and their physical and mental health. Additionally, he suggested creating a training module to foster a sensitive mindset among them,” the CMO stated.On Saturday at about 12 noon, the e-bus rammed into an auto standing at the busy Rupali Square, waiting for the signal to turn green. The impact of the collision led the auto to lurch forward and hit a school bus standing ahead. The auto driver died on the spot, while a woman passenger sustained serious injuries.On Sunday, the auto drivers’ association launched an agitation, demanding justice for the victim. They symbolically begged for the life of the driver and demanded an increased compensation of Rs 10 lakh for his family. They also requested the govt to stop Ama Bus services in the city.