Rise in fatal accidents raise concerns over Mo Bus safety in Odisha

A recent fatal accident involving a ‘Mo Bus’ has once again raised alarm bells about passenger safety in Odisha. On Friday night, Nandini Pradhan, a resident of Bhubaneswar, was fatally struck by a ‘Mo Bus’ causing her death on the spot. This incident occurred near Patrapada on the National Highway where Nandini had gone to drop off a relative at a night coach bus.

The bus involved, with registration 'OD02 BJ9410' on Route 33, deviated from its usual route from Master Canteen Square to Pipili via Kalpana Square, prompting serious questions about the service. The collision resulted not only in the unfortunate demise of Nandini but also left three others critically injured.

After the collision, the bus failed to stop immediately, prompting pursuit by locals who eventually apprehended the vehicle a kilometre away, enabling the police to detain the driver. Authorities are currently examining CCTV footage to gain further insight into the circumstances.

The bus service, intended as a critical mode of transport between the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, has come under severe scrutiny following several mishaps. Despite comprehensive driver training initiatives aimed at reducing accidents, these incidents persist, leaving city residents wary and calling for action.

“Mo Bus drivers are not obeying traffic rules and driving with high speed and as a result so many accidents are occurring,” said a Mo Bus passenger.

As many as 70 accidents have occurred involving Mo Buses in the last three months in Odisha. The series of accidents has even attracted the attention of the courts, with a recent Orissa High Court intervention questioning the perceived negligence by authorities. Safety experts and passengers continue to voice concerns over the lack of adequate safety measures.

Must Read: Mo Bus crushes another woman to death, leaves several injured in series accidents in Bhubaneswar

Residents demand a significant overhaul to restore faith in this essential public transport system, pressing for immediate and effective action from the authorities.

“There is lack of coordination between the Transport and Urban Development departments. The drivers of Mo Bus have not been trained properly. The drivers who are not eligible to drive in Bhubaneswar roads are being employed and as a result so many accidents are happening. Speed governance is also not monitored properly,” said road safety expert Subrat Nanda.