On Saturday, Principal Secretary Usha Padhee led a review of bus services run by OSRTC and CRUT in Bhubaneswar, aiming to make public transportation both safer and more efficient.
During the meeting, the focus was on tightening safety measures. This includes making sure buses get regular inspections, that all traffic rules are followed, and that driver behavior is carefully monitored. The officials also stressed the importance of ongoing training for drivers and other staff members—covering topics from safe driving techniques and emergency procedures to improving customer service skills.
In addition to these steps, there was a strong push to bring in modern technology. Advanced tools like GPS tracking, real-time monitoring systems, and digital ticketing were highlighted as key ways to boost efficiency and enhance passenger security.
Among those present were OSRTC’s Chief Managing Director Diptesh Pattanaik, Transport Commissioner Amitav Thakur, CRUT’s Managing Director Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, and Venkatesh Balsubramoniom from IITM, along with several other senior officials and stakeholders. Together, they discussed how to reinforce safety protocols while updating the overall operation of the bus services.
Addressing the group, Principal Secretary Padhee remarked, “Ensuring the safety of our passengers is our highest priority. By enforcing regulations, improving skills, and integrating new technology, we are committed to providing a safe, dependable, and efficient public transportation system in Odisha.”
The meeting also explored ways for OSRTC and CRUT to collaborate more closely. Sharing best practices and better-utilizing resources were seen as critical steps. Principal Secretary Padhee urged all officials to implement the recommended measures quickly and regularly check on their progress to make sure they are effective.
