No Speeding, No Drunk Driving: Odisha Puts ‘Ama Bus’ Drivers Under Oath As Road Deaths Rise
The oath-taking exercise is being implemented across the state, including in major urban centres such as Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Bhubaneswar: As fatal road accidents continue to mount across Odisha, the state’s transport authorities have turned to an unusual but symbolic tool to reinforce accountability: a daily oath for drivers and crew of the state-run ‘Ama Bus’ service.
Before buses roll out from depots each morning, drivers and conductors are now required to publicly pledge adherence to road safety norms—no speeding, no drunk driving, no mobile phone use behind the wheel. The measure, officials say, is aimed at restoring commuter confidence and arresting a worrying trend of road fatalities.
The oath-taking exercise is being implemented across the state, including in major urban centres such as Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. At Ama Bus depots, crew members are administered a detailed safety pledge before vehicles are cleared for their scheduled routes.
Under the pledge, drivers commit to follow traffic rules in letter and spirit—avoiding overspeeding, wrong-side driving and distractions, while ensuring the use of seat belts and disciplined driving at all times. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances is explicitly prohibited.
Beyond traffic compliance, the pledge places equal emphasis on passenger welfare. Drivers and conductors are urged to remain courteous, sensitive and responsive to commuters, with officials stressing that passenger safety and dignity are non-negotiable. “The safety of passengers is as important as the personal safety of the crew,” an official said.
The oath is only one part of a broader enforcement push. Transport authorities have introduced daily safety declarations from crew members before departures, while mandatory alcohol tests are being conducted to rule out intoxicated driving. Special squads have also been deployed along key routes to carry out surprise inspections and monitor compliance.
Officials believe the combination of moral commitment and strict enforcement will help curb negligent driving and reduce accidents on Odisha’s roads. With thousands of commuters depending on the Ama Bus service every day, authorities say the initiative is aimed at sending a clear message: public transport safety is no longer negotiable.
