Bhubaneswar, July 11: Odisha remains in the grip of a major transport crisis for the third consecutive day, as the ongoing "Steering Drop" agitation by members of the Odisha Driver Mahasangha has brought vehicular movement to a near halt. Daily life across the state has been severely disrupted, with public transport paralyzed, essential supplies delayed, and rising public unrest.
The suspension of passenger bus services has left thousands of commuters stranded, unable to reach their destinations. Many critically ill patients are reportedly struggling to access hospitals, while workers face mounting challenges in reaching their places of employment. Overcrowding and chaos have been reported at railway stations as more people turn to trains in the absence of road transport.
Food and essential supplies have been hit hard. Transport vehicles carrying groceries and perishables have failed to reach markets, resulting in a sharp hike in food prices. Although four oil depots are continuing to dispatch around 400 fuel tankers daily to petrol pumps, the volume remains insufficient to meet statewide demand. A limited number of trucks carrying food from neighboring states are entering Odisha, and some have reached local markets and weekly fairs. However, the flow is too small to stabilize supply chains.
The situation threatens to worsen unless transport operations resume soon. With the protest gaining intensity, the initial two-day peaceful dharna has now evolved into a more aggressive movement. In several areas, protestors have resorted to taking the law into their own hands.
Despite mounting public pressure and administrative efforts, the Odisha Driver Mahasangha remains firm on its demands, showing no signs of withdrawing from the protest. With critical services and supplies hanging in the balance, the state stares at a deepening crisis unless a resolution is reached soon.
