Mo Bus Accidents: Is Odisha’s Commuter Lifeline Becoming a Killing Machine?
Odisha’s Mo Bus, a government-run public transportation system launched to ease urban commuting in the state, has been in the news of late for all the wrong reasons.
Repeated Mo Bus accidents have sparked outrage, fear, and demands for accountability. The frequency of these incidents became so concerning that the rebranding of Mo Bus to Ama Bus was partly seen as a move to shed the negative perception, although officials have not explicitly linked the rebranding to the accidents.
However, the string of accidents continues unabated, raising questions about the safety protocols and training standards of bus drivers. The growing list of Mo Bus accidents paints a grim picture of what was once hailed as an efficient and reliable public transport service.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most recent and tragic incidents:
Also Read: The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024 – A Complete List
Deadly Crash: Woman Dragged 100 Meters by Mo Bus Near Tamando Overbridge
Yesterday, Bhubaneswar witnessed yet another horrific accident. A Mo Bus hit a woman near the Tamando overbridge, dragging her for nearly 100 meters before coming to a halt.
The woman died on the spot, while another person sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, traveling from the city center to the Kalinga Nagar depot, first collided with two scooters before hitting the pedestrian.
Enraged locals protested, expressing their fury over the reckless driving that has become a hallmark of these incidents.
Race to Death: Vegetable Vendor Crushed in Cuttack by Speeding Mo Bus
In Cuttack, a vegetable vendor was left critically injured after being hit by a Mo Bus near Mala Chandia Chhaka on February 6. The victim was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
Locals alleged that racing and negligent driving among Mo Bus drivers have been causing numerous accidents in the region. Police later detained the driver, but the public outcry highlighted a systemic issue rather than isolated negligence.
School Run Turns Fatal: 12-Year-Old Girl Crushed to Death on Her Way to Class
In another incident on February 4, a young girl riding her bicycle was hit and killed by a Mo Bus in Bhubaneswar’s Raghunathpur area. The accident occurred around 9 AM while she was on her way to school.
According to witnesses, the driver failed to slow down after the collision and dragged the child’s body for several meters. Protests erupted, with locals blocking the busy Nandankanan-Jaydev Vihar road and burning tires. Despite repeated complaints about speeding buses on that stretch, residents say their concerns were ignored.
In response, CRUT, the body managing Mo Bus operations, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the bereaved family.
Morning Mayhem: Woman Mowed Down in Chandrasekharpur
Yet another distressing incident occurred on November 2, when a woman sustained severe hand injuries after being hit by a speeding Mo Bus near a petrol pump in Chandrasekharpur. The bus was headed towards Nalco Square from Patia when it struck the pedestrian.
The driver fled the scene, triggering a blockade by angry locals who stopped at least ten other Mo Buses from passing through the area.
These are just a few of the many Mo Bus accidents reported in recent times. In an unfortunate incident, a Mo Bus ran over an elderly woman at the Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal, causing her death on the spot.
Then, in another tragic event, at least 16 passengers were injured after a Mo Bus fell off a culvert near Pitapalli in Khurda district.
Such recurring mishaps compel us to ask: Why do these accidents keep happening?
What’s Going Wrong? Behind the Wheels of Odisha’s ‘Killer Buses’
Although CRUT has introduced various measures to ensure passenger and pedestrian safety, these accidents suggest systemic lapses. Locals consistently point to overspeeding, driver negligence, and inadequate training as root causes. Despite the installation of GPS tracking and surveillance systems, enforcement remains weak.
The recent rebranding to Ama Bus was intended to signify a fresh start. However, the core issues persist, with accidents continuing to claim innocent lives. Bhubaneswar, once lauded for its modernized public transport, now finds itself grappling with a service that has become synonymous with danger.
Also Read: The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in the World in 2024 – A Complete List
The Road Ahead: Can Ama Bus Avoid the Fate of Mo Bus?
Public transport should be a symbol of safety, reliability, and convenience. The alarming list of Mo Bus accidents underscores an urgent need for stricter oversight, better driver training, and more responsive enforcement mechanisms.
If these measures aren’t implemented swiftly, Odisha’s lifeline might continue to be remembered more for its tragedies than its service to the community.
Until then, the public remains wary of buses meant to serve, but which have too often turned into instruments of disaster.
