‘Mo Bus’ mayhem continues in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack

At least four persons sustained injuries while several vehicles were damaged in a series of accidents caused by a Mo Bus near Raj Mahal Square in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Palpable tension erupted at the spot as people raised questions over accidents being caused by such public transport vehicles at regular intervals in the Capital city.

Demanding stringent action against the driver of the Mo Bus and a permanent solution to the repeated mishaps, locals even staged a demonstration. This wasn't the first time that passengers were injured over even lost their lives in road mishaps related to Mo Bus. Here are a few such incidents related to Mo Bus:

Mo Bus Hits Car In Cuttack

Irate locals detained a Mo Bus at Barang in Cuttack after it hit a car on January 16. As per reports, the bus bearing registration number OD 33V 3513 was en route to Bhubaneswar from Cuttack when it hit a car from the rear near Barang. While the car was partially damaged in the mishap, locals detained the bus alleging irresponsible driving by the driver. No passenger onboard the bus was injured in the mishap.

Pedestrian Fatally Hit by Mo Bus in Bhubaneswar

Tension gripped Sikharchandi Vihar in Bhubaneswar after a Mo Bus hit a man while he was crossing the road on February 4, 2024. As he was crossing the road, the bus hit him, leaving him seriously injured. He had to be immediately rushed to Capital Hospital. Angry locals then vandalised the bus. They also caught hold of the driver who was trying to escape from the spot after the accident. It led to massive traffic congestion from KIIT Square to Sikharchandi Vihar.

Girl Loses Left Hand As Mo Bus Hit Her in Bhubaneswar

In a bone-chilling incident, a girl reportedly lost her left hand while another person sustained grievous injuries after they were hit by a Mo Bus near Chandrasekharpur petrol pump in Bhubaneswar due to the reckless driving of the driver on November 2, 2024. The incident spread outrage as angry locals intercepted two Mo Buses and staged a demonstration, leading to severe traffic congestion from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan Road. The driver was driving aggressively and trying to flee the spot after hitting the girl, eye witnesses alleged.

Causes and Circumstances of Mo Bus Accidents

The accidents involving Mo Buses have mostly been attributed to reckless and drunken driving by the drivers.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

These incidents have sparked significant public outrage, with locals demanding stringent action against the drivers and a permanent solution to the recurring accidents involving Mo Buses.

Traffic and Road Safety Issues in Bhubaneswar

The accidents underscore the broader traffic and road safety issues in Bhubaneswar. A survey by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) revealed that frequent and unorganized halting of buses on major corridors like NH-16 and Puri Bypass creates significant traffic congestion and safety risks. The survey highlighted that buses halt at numerous undesignated places, disrupting mixed traffic movement and posing risks to commuters and pedestrians.

Regulatory Measures and Speed Limits

In response to safety concerns, the state government has implemented a speed limit of 40 kmph for all Mo Buses. However, the recent accident and public allegations suggest that this measure may not be sufficient or effectively enforced. The incident has reignited calls for more stringent regulations and better enforcement to ensure the safe operation of public transport vehicles in Bhubaneswar.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What are the common causes of Mo Bus accidents in Bhubaneswar?
Ans: Several factors contribute to Mo Bus accidents, including driver negligence (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue), inadequate road infrastructure (poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage), and pedestrian errors (jaywalking, not paying attention to traffic). Overcrowding and mechanical failures in buses can also be contributing factors.

Q. What safety measures are in place to prevent Mo Bus accidents?
Ans: Safety measures being implemented include speed governors in buses, driver training programs focusing on road safety and defensive driving, regular vehicle maintenance checks, and public awareness campaigns promoting road safety. There are also efforts to improve road infrastructure and install more traffic signals and pedestrian crossings. The use of technology like CCTV cameras in buses and GPS tracking systems can also aid in monitoring driver behaviour and enforcing safety regulations.

Q. Are Mo Bus drivers subject to any specific regulations or checks?
Ans: Yes, Mo Bus drivers are required to have a valid driving license and undergo regular health checkups to ensure their fitness to drive. They are also subject to disciplinary actions for violations such as speeding, drunk driving, or causing accidents. There are also periodic reviews of their driving records and performance. Recent court rulings have emphasized stricter enforcement of these checks and regulations including the use of breathalyzer tests.

Q. What is the role of the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) in ensuring Mo Bus safety?
Ans: CRUT, the managing body of the Mo Bus service, is responsible for overseeing the overall safety and operation of the buses. This includes establishing safety protocols, conducting driver training, maintaining the bus fleet, and addressing public complaints regarding safety issues. CRUT also works in coordination with traffic police and other authorities to implement safety measures and improve road infrastructure. They are also responsible for ensuring adherence to court orders related to safety improvements.