Odisha Bandh Grips Bhubaneswar-Cuttack: No Buses, Thin Crowds, Closed Markets

A 12-hour strike in Odisha, initiated by Congress and seven other opposition groups, halted daily life in major urban areas on Thursday. The bandh was a response to the death of a Balasore college student, demanding justice and a judicial probe into the incident. The protest led to significant disruptions, affecting public transport and daily routines across the state.

In Bhubaneswar, Congress activists gathered near the railway station, attempting to disrupt rail services. Security forces intervened promptly, preventing any major disturbances. Protesters also set tyres on fire and blocked key roads, exacerbating traffic issues in the capital city. Authorities remained vigilant with drone surveillance monitoring protest hotspots.

Transport Chaos and Commuter Struggles

Bus services from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack were halted early in the morning, leaving many travellers stranded without onward options. Autos and taxis were stopped at several points, causing inconvenience for office workers and daily wage earners. Passengers were seen walking with luggage in search of transport amidst delays and confusion over alternative arrangements.

One tourist expressed frustration: "I have to catch my train at Bhubaneswar Railway Station, but no auto-rickshaw or taxi is willing to go to Master Canteen. I have several bags of luggage to carry and now have no clue how to reach the station."

Impact on Essential Services

In Cuttack, Congress supporters enforced closures of businesses, markets, and educational institutions at key intersections. Although emergency services were exempt from the bandh officially, some confusion persisted. While some pharmacies remained open, others were closed. Government-run buses operated sporadically but mostly stayed off the roads.

No significant violence was reported until noon despite the disruptions. Police confirmed that adequate security measures were in place to manage crowds and protect essential infrastructure.

Bandh Duration and Political Reactions

The bandh was scheduled to last until 6 PM as authorities anticipated normalcy would return by evening. The administration urged all parties to maintain peace and avoid causing public hardship during this period. Congress leaders assured that their protests would remain peaceful while demanding accountability for the student's death.

The tragic incident involved a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore who attempted self-immolation on campus last week. This event sparked outrage among political circles with allegations of negligence against authorities.