Bhubaneswar, Jan 27: Overcrowding on Mo Buses in Bhubaneswar and reckless driving has become a growing concern for passengers, with many commuters highlighting the dangerous conditions they face daily.
Reports of packed buses violating capacity limits are now coupled with a series of accidents involving Mo Buses, increasing safety risk.
The latest incidents have further fueled public outrage over the risks posed by overcrowded public transport.
Recently, tension erupted after a Mo Bus was involved in multiple accidents, injuring four passengers. The accident, which occurred in a busy area of the city, added to the growing concerns about the safety of passengers in overcrowded conditions.
This incident came on the heels of another shocking event where a young girl was critically injured after being struck by a Mo Bus, intensifying public anger and demands for action.
Passenger complaints have been mounting for weeks, with many reporting that buses are often so packed that passengers are forced to stand in the queues, or even hang on to the doors.
One commuter, Pooja Sethi, expressed her concerns: "Every morning, the bus is overcrowded, and you can feel the discomfort. After hearing about these recent accidents, I’m really worried for my safety. We need more buses, especially during peak hours."
Another passenger, Ramesh Kumar, added: "I’ve been traveling on Mo Buses for years, but it’s never been this bad. The buses are often packed before they even reach my stop. The risk of accidents is high, and now with these incidents, it’s clear that something needs to change."
Earlier, Odisha govt. had implemented a new speed limit for Mo Bus services within Bhubaneswar city limits i.e.will be 40 km per hour and even it is said that where buses are jam-packed, there is a higher risk of accidents, as drivers may struggle to navigate through traffic or react quickly in emergencies.
A bus driver, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the issue: "There’s a huge demand for buses, but we often have to take in more passengers than the bus can safely carry. We face pressure to pick up as many people as possible, but it’s a problem that needs attention."
