Bhubaneswar, 18 May (H.S.) : Public transport services under the Ama Bus system were severely affected in Bhubaneswar on Monday after employees launched a protest at the Patrapada depot over pending salaries and other workplace-related demands, causing major inconvenience to commuters across the city.

According to sources , around 117 Ama buses operating on 45 routes remained off the roads due to the agitation. The protest reportedly began at around 4 am and involved drivers, guides, and other staff members who alleged that their salaries had not been paid for more than two months.

The employees also raised several other demands, including timely payment of salaries, provision of EPF and ESI benefits, and improved safety measures for bus guides. Protesters claimed that the salary delays were linked to the existing system under which bus guides receive payments through third-party agencies.

The disruption of services across multiple routes left hundreds of passengers struggling to commute, especially during peak office hours, affecting normal transportation services in the capital city.

Officials said that efforts are underway to resolve the issue at the earliest. However, the Capital Region Urban Transport has not yet issued an official statement regarding the protest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda