Odisha private bus owners threaten state-wide strike over police vehicle-checking powers

The Private Bus Owners’ Association has issued a stern strike warning, opposing the Odisha government’s decision to grant vehicle-checking powers to the police.

Association secretary Debendra Sahu stated that if the police begin exercising these powers from 1st December 2025, private buses across the state will go on strike. 

Sahu warned that the agitation would begin the moment the Odisha government formally authorises the police to conduct motor vehicle checks.

"The police had similar powers nearly 40 years ago. At that time, the police themselves informed the government that they could not manage the responsibility, following which the powers were withdrawn. Since then, the system has continued without police intervention in motor vehicle checks. The police later began checking motorcycle riders under Section 184, which the association supported, but gradually the scope of police authority has been expanding," he said.

You May Like: Bulldozer demolishes house of suspected Bangladeshi nationals in Jagatsinghpur

'Memorandum Submitted to Government But...'

The association had submitted a memorandum to the government several months ago, requesting that these powers should not be restored to the Odisha police. However, despite the objections, the government is reportedly moving ahead with the decision, he said.

Sahu further said, "The association will hold a general board meeting on November 25. If the police are given these powers on December 1, private buses across the state will stop operating."

Reportedly, the state government has already decided to empower the police with motor-vehicle inspection rights. However, this decision has triggered strong resistance from bus and also truck owners, who fear harassment and unnecessary penalisation by the police.

Read More: Odisha mulls linking Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri with Rourkela-Sambalpur-Jharsuguda corridor for 2036 overhaul

The association has urged the government to reconsider the move, cautioning that any disruption in bus services will inconvenience thousands of daily commuters.