By Our Correspondent
SAMBALPUR/PURI/CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR: The Bharat Bandh on Thursday called by over 10 Central Trade Unions(including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, and others along with farmer groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), has significantly disrupted normal life in Odisha.
A groom on his way to his wedding was caught in a massive traffic jam on National Highway 16 near Jaydev Vihar in Bhubaneswar during the Bharat Bandh.The groom, identified as Abdul Faim Khain, was travelling from Soro in Balasore district to Khordha for his wedding ceremony.
The 12-hour strike (generally from 6 AM to 6 PM) protests the central government’s labor policies, including the four new Labour Codes, changes impacting MGNREGA, electricity/seed bills, and recent trade deals (like India-US interim deal), which unions describe as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate. Trade unions claim participation from up to 30 crore workers nationwide, with Odisha among the most severely affected states
Public Transport and Traffic — Severe disruptions to buses, road traffic, and some rail services. Protesters blocked roads and highways (like National Highway-326 in Malkangiri), leading to halted vehicular movement, delays at major junctions in Bhubaneswar (like Master Canteen Square, Nalco Bhawan, and Rail Sadan areas), and overall slowdowns. Commuters faced major issues, and rail/roko protests affected train operations in parts of the state.
Markets, Shops, and Businesses — Wholesale markets, local shops, and many business establishments remained closed in several districts and cities (including Bhubaneswar and Berhampur). Daily economic activity was paralyzed in affected areas.
Educational Institutions — Many schools, colleges, and institutions stayed closed or saw disruptions. Some exams (like nursing/GNM exams) were canceled and rescheduled due to the bandh.
Other Services — Banking faced partial disruptions (limited staff/operations in some branches). Government offices saw varying impacts (some partial closures or slowdowns). Industrial units, mines, and public sector activities were hit. In tourist spots like Konark Sun Temple, closures disappointed visitors.
Protests and Incidents — Demonstrations, road blockades, and picketing occurred across districts Rayagada, Balasore, Berhampur, Malkangiri. One incident in Rayagada involved a police vehicle brake failure near protesters, narrowly averting a mishap. Agitation intensified in Bhubaneswar with political support from Congress and BJD.
The impact was widespread but not uniform—some rural or specific blocks like Jamankira in Sambalpur) reported minimal effects with offices open. Essential services like hospitals, emergency care, ambulances, pharmacies, airports, and some private operations continued largely unaffected. Heightened security and police presence were reported to maintain order.
Overall, Odisha experienced one of the strongest responses to the bandh nationwide, with normal life significantly hampered in urban and many rural areas, particularly transport, commerce, and public services.
