Lives at Risk! OSRTC and private buses under fire for 'poor' safety measures

Following a series of recent bus accidents and fire incidents, concerns are mounting over the safety of both government and private buses operating in Odisha and the neighbouring states. On October 24, twenty passengers were burnt alive in a private bus tragedy in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

On November 6, an Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) bus caught fire near Salur in Manyam district of Andhra Pradesh on the national highway. Fortunately, as the incident occurred early in the morning, all passengers escaped unhurt.

Safety Measures Under Scrutiny

The twin incidents have reignited debate about passenger safety and maintenance standards in bus services. At the Jeypore bus terminal, both government and private buses reportedly lack basic safety facilities such as fire extingu