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The Odisha government has decided to induct women drivers into the Ama Bus service to improve road safety and strengthen operations. The move was discussed during a recent review of the urban transport system after an accident involving an Ama bus raised concerns over driver conduct and monitoring. As part of the plan, 20 women from Capital Region Urban Transport will undergo specialised electric bus driving training in Pune later this month. Authorities have also proposed setting up a dedicated driver training institute and tightening alcohol testing norms across the fleet.
The Odisha government has announced plans to induct women drivers into the state-run Ama Bus service as part of a wider effort to improve road safety and strengthen public transport operations. The decision was taken during a recent review meeting chaired by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, where officials assessed the functioning of the Ama Bus network and discussed corrective measures. Advertisement
The move follows public concern after an Ama bus was involved in a fatal accident at Rupali Square in Bhubaneswar, in which an autorickshaw driver lost his life. The incident had triggered protests and renewed focus on driver behaviour, monitoring systems, and enforcement of safety rules. Officials acknowledged that safety lapses needed to be addressed through both stricter oversight and better training.
As part of the initiative, 20 women drivers from Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), the agency operating Ama buses, will be sent for specialised electric bus driving training in Pune later this month. The training programme is expected to focus on handling e-buses, defensive driving practices, and adherence to traffic rules, with the aim of improving overall driving standards.
In addition, the state government plans to establish a dedicated driver training institute at the CRUT depot. The proposed centre will provide regular training and refresher courses for drivers, covering practical driving skills, lane discipline, road safety norms, and passenger handling. Officials indicated that structured training would help reduce accidents and improve commuter confidence in the service.
Alcohol consumption by drivers was highlighted as a major safety concern during the review. Authorities noted that mandatory alcohol testing has already been implemented for Ama Bus drivers. Over the past year, nearly 1.97 lakh alcohol tests have been conducted at the start and end of trips, along with random checks. These inspections led to 19 drivers testing positive, after which they were arrested and their driving licences were suspended for three months.
The Ama Bus service, launched to improve urban mobility across Odisha, has expanded its fleet and routes over the past few years, including the introduction of electric buses. The latest measures are part of ongoing efforts to tighten operational discipline and ensure safer public transport for daily commuters.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What is the Odisha government's plan for women drivers in the Ama Bus service?
The Odisha government has decided to induct women drivers into the state-run Ama Bus service to enhance road safety and strengthen operations. Twenty women from Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) will undergo specialised electric bus driving training in Pune later this month, focusing on e-bus handling, defensive driving, and adherence to traffic rules.
Q2. What prompted this initiative?
The move follows public concern after an Ama bus was involved in a fatal accident at Rupali Square, Bhubaneswar, where an autorickshaw driver died. The incident highlighted issues in driver conduct, monitoring, and safety enforcement, prompting authorities to implement stricter training and operational oversight.
Q3. What training and infrastructure measures are being introduced?
The state plans to establish a dedicated driver training institute at the CRUT depot to provide regular courses on practical driving skills, road safety, lane discipline, and passenger handling. These measures aim to improve driver competency, reduce accidents, and build commuter confidence.
Q4. How is the government addressing driver alcohol consumption?
Mandatory alcohol testing is already in place for Ama Bus drivers. Over the past year, nearly 1.97 lakh alcohol tests were conducted, resulting in 19 positive cases. Those drivers were arrested and had their licences suspended for three months. Random checks will continue to ensure compliance.
Q5. How does this fit into broader Ama Bus service improvements?
The Ama Bus network has expanded its fleet, including electric buses, and routes over the past few years. The induction of women drivers, structured training, and stricter monitoring are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational discipline and ensure safer urban mobility across Odisha.
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