Covid-19 Resurgence In Odisha: No Inter-State Bus Services From Monday

Bhubaneswar: In view of the steady surge in the number of Covid-19 cases across Odisha, the State government has decided to suspend inter-state bus services starting from Monday.

However, there will be no restriction on the movement of intra-state bus services.

“Though buses and other public transport can operate with full seating capacity, standing of passengers inside buses will not be permitted. The State transport authority and police personnel will enforce the norms strictly. All passengers have to obey the Covid-19 norms strictly,” said State Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera.

“It has been made mandatory for all passengers to wear masks. Persons with apparent Covid-19 symptoms will not be allowed to board vehicles,” said Behera.

Earlier this week, the local administration had stepped up surveillance at Bhubaneswar railway station with the help of railway authorities.

Passengers arriving from other states are producing  Covid-19 negative report (RT-PCR test report) or final vaccination certificate at the BMC kiosk set up at the station. Passengers without reports have to complete a registration process so that necessary tracking and follow up action could be taken by the health authorities.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed as many as six two-member teams to ensure the enforcement measures in the city.

The entry and exit routes to the station have been altered. The passengers are entering the station from Master Canteen bus terminus side and leaving from Reliance Fresh side.