TV
An Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC)-run Volvo bus carrying more than 30 passengers, including women and children, remained stranded for nearly 12 hours after breaking down on a jungle road in Odisha’s Gajapati district on Monday night.
According to sources, the bus, which was en route from Puri to Malkangiri, developed a mechanical snag near Marchima under Mohana police station late Monday night. Around midnight, the vehicle came to a halt due to a fault in its balloon drum system and could not be repaired on the spot.
By Tuesday morning, the bus was still stuck on the roadside, leaving passengers in extreme discomfort. With no food, water, or proper shelter, many spent the night inside the stranded vehicle.
Passengers alleged that despite repeated requests, no immediate help reached them. The conductor reportedly informed them that a mechanic would have to come from Bhubaneswar to fix the problem, prolonging their wait.
Stranded in the remote forest stretch, many passengers expressed fear and frustration over the delay, highlighting the risk faced by women and children in such isolated conditions.
“We started from Puri, and the bus developed a technical snag around 12.30 am. They did not even inform us. We could have taken other buses or cars that were passing by. No mechanic has reached the spot yet, and we are facing a lot of trouble without food,” said Pallabi Sahoo, a passenger.
“After so many days, I took a two-day leave to visit Koraput with my family. We opted for an OSRTC bus to check its service, but instead, we ended up suffering a lot,” rued Bibhudatta Mohapatra, another passenger.
Commenting on the matter bus conductor Ranjan Behera said, “The balloon drum system of the vehicle developed a problem. We have informed the same to Volvo company. We are waiting for the mechanics.”
Till the last report came in, the authorities had not confirmed when the bus would be repaired or arrangements be made to shift the passengers to safety.
