Bhubaneswar: Ama Bus, which is operated by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), was involved in 214 minor and major accidents between Jan 2024 and May 2026 across key depots in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.Responding to an RTI application of Bhubaneswar-resident Pradeep Pradhan, CRUT revealed that Patia depot alone reported over 200 incidents resulting in fatalities, police complaints and disciplinary action against drivers.The disclosures indicate that most of the accidents caused damage to bus windscreens, bumpers, mirrors and body panels. Repair costs typically ranged between Rs 500 and Rs 20,000 for minor incidents and Rs 2 lakh for major ones.Fatal accidents, though relatively fewer in number, triggered stringent action. The records show multiple fatal crashes at Patia and Patrapada depots. Complaints were lodged in fatal and serious cases, while police investigations were initiated to determine liability.The RTI data revealed that driver accountability was assessed for each accident. Drivers found responsible for collisions were generally suspended for a day in minor cases. For more serious crashes, suspensions ranged from three days to six months.In several fatal accidents where negligence was established, the driver was terminated from service. Conversely, drivers found not at fault were counselled and permitted to continue duty, the reply revealed.According to the records, many accidents were attributed not to bus drivers but to errant motorists, sudden U-turns by two-wheelers, vehicles hitting buses from behind, unsafe pedestrian crossings and animals’ movement on roads.The records also show that compensation was paid in certain fatal cases. One such case involved payment of Rs 9 lakh to the victim’s family. Insurance details, third-party vehicle involvement and disciplinary proceedings were documented in accident reports.The data highlights the scale of operational challenges faced by the city bus network. While the overwhelming majority of the more than 200 reported incidents between Jan 2024 and May 2026 involved property damage.“True that accidents are caused from both sides, but the bigger vehicle will always be held responsible. In the past two years, the number of accidents by the city bus has increased significantly. It needs to be addressed,” road safety activist P V Raman said.
