Bhubaneswar, Sept 13: Commuters across Bhubaneswar faced major inconvenience on Friday as around 43 ‘Mo Bus’ vehicles remained stranded at the Pokhariput depot after drivers launched a "steering strike" protesting non-payment of salaries and poor working conditions.

According to sources, the drivers have not received their salaries for over 42 days. In addition to the delayed payments, they have also raised concerns about being forced to work overtime, increased workload, unresolved ESI (Employees' State Insurance) issues, and not receiving their entitled weekly offs-getting only four days off per month instead of one per week.

Citing these reasons, the drivers refused to operate buses from the depot, effectively halting services and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at various bus stops across the city.

The sudden strike has disrupted public transport in key areas of the city, with passengers expressing frustration over the lack of alternative arrangements. Many were seen waiting for hours as no buses departed from the depot.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement addressing the concerns of the striking drivers or providing a timeline for the restoration of services.