Bhubaneswar: Talks held between the Odisha Government and the Odisha Driver Mahasangha to resolve the ongoing cease-work strike ended without any breakthrough. Aditya Prasad Behera, Treasurer of the association, said that the meeting, convened by the State Government today evening at Kharavel Bhavan to resume transportation services, concluded without reaching a consensus.

Behera further informed another round of discussions is expected to take place at the residence of State Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena.

The indefinite strike, launched over six key demands, has severely disrupted transportation services across the state, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and causing significant public inconvenience.

The Odisha Private Bus and Truck Owners’ Association has extended its support to the drivers’ agitation, intensifying the transport crisis. With buses and trucks off the roads, both passenger travel and goods transportation have been hit hard.

The drivers’ association has placed several demands before the government, including: Inclusion of auto-rickshaw drivers in the Drivers’ Welfare Board, pension benefits for drivers aged above 60, restrooms and toilet facilities at regular intervals along highways, designated parking areas every 100 km, stronger legal protection to safeguard drivers from public threats and 70% job reservation for Odisha-based drivers in mining and industrial zones and official recognition of drivers’ contributions to the transport sector and declaration of September 1 as National Drivers’ Day.