Truck Owners’ Association Calls for 24-Hour Bandh in Odisha’s Keonjhar District

Bhubaneswar: Normal life came to a standstill in Odisha’s Keonjhar district as the Truck Owners’ Association initiated a 24-hour bandh, demanding the cancellation of a railway project linking Gandhamardan B Mines managed by the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). Supported by the Keonjhar Merchants’ Association and 15 other local organizations, the bandh affected various sectors, prompting business closures and disrupting vehicular movement. However, emergency services remained operational despite the shutdown.

The Truck Owners’ Association’s call for a bandh stemmed from concerns over the proposed railway project from Suakathi to Guhaldihi. Truckers fear that the implementation of this project would lead to a loss of employment opportunities as the transportation of iron ores would predominantly shift to trains. This apprehension has garnered significant support, with other local organizations joining the protest to voice their discontent.

The impact of the bandh was felt across Keonjhar district, with business establishments and educational institutions shuttered for the duration of the protest. Additionally, the disruption in vehicular movement added to the inconvenience faced by residents navigating through the district.

The 24-hour bandh in Keonjhar district reflects the deep-seated concerns of the Truck Owners’ Association and other local organizations regarding the proposed railway project. As discussions continue between stakeholders and authorities, the plight of the truckers and their apprehensions about potential job losses remain at the forefront of the ongoing dispute. Meanwhile, residents of Keonjhar district await a resolution that balances developmental aspirations with the livelihoods of those dependent on the transportation sector.