Bhubaneswar: Following the extension of the nationwide lockdown to May 31, Odisha government on Monday hinted at the commencement of inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with certain restrictions.
The State Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy on Monday said that inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses will be allowed only with the mutual consent of the states.
"Inter-state passenger vehicles including buses, private vehicles and taxis will be allowed to move only with the mutual consent of other states. However, no decision has been taken on the movement of intra-state buses so far," said Tripathy.
On the new guidelines for lockdown 4.0 issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Odisha Transport Minister Padmanabh Behera said, "The Union MHA has relaxed the passenger transport norms in lockdown 4.0 and the decision to commence plying of intra-state buses have been left to the discretion of the states."
"The paperwork for the resumption of bus services has already been initiated and we will soon see buses rolling out in Odisha," said Behera.
As far as inter-state bus service is concerned, Behera had also earlier hinted at the resumption of the service but only after discussion with other neighbouring states as directed by the Centre.
He further said that the vehicles will have to strictly follow social distancing rules and the previous decision of the government to ply private buses with only 50% of the total capacity still stands.
Commenting on the demand of Private Bus Owner's Association, he said, "Private buses were ordered to operate only with 50% of their capacity. If the association wants to discuss the issue with us then we are open to discuss, but for now there is no decision to roll back the previous order."
Later in the day, Twin city police commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi informed that the restrictions on the movement of two-wheelers, cabs, taxis, four-wheelers within the State have been lifted but the COVID-19 lockdown norms need to be strictly followed during the movement.