Odisha Drivers’ ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ Strike Hits Transport Services, Sparks Concerns Over Supply Disruption
Image used for representational purposees only.
Bhubaneswar | July 8, 2025 — Transportation services across Odisha were thrown into disarray on Tuesday as thousands of commercial vehicle drivers launched a state-wide protest under the banner of the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, demanding better welfare measures, job reservation, and rollback of recent transport regulations.
Dubbed the ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ agitation, the protest began on July 8 and quickly impacted the state’s logistics network. While the supply of vegetables and other essential commodities remained largely unaffected on the first day, traders and trade bodies warned that significant disruptions may occur within the next 24 hours if the strike continues.
Supply Chain at Risk: Traders Raise Alarm
Despite the initial calm, trade unions and market associations are bracing for possible shortages. Rajdhani Pariba Byabasayee Mahasangha president Kabi Swain confirmed that vegetable deliveries reached Bhubaneswar markets as usual on Tuesday, but expressed concern for the following days.
“We are anticipating that the strike will possibly affect the supply a day later if the situation doesn’t change,” said Swain.
Sudhakar Panda, general secretary of the Odisha Byabasayee Mahasangha, echoed the sentiment:
“Many essential commodities are brought in from outside the state and were unaffected today. But transporting goods from wholesalers to retailers within Odisha will be a serious challenge if the strike continues.”
Who’s Behind the Strike?
The protest is being spearheaded by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, which represents a sizable section of the state’s commercial drivers. Their demands include:
- Scrapping police’s vehicle-checking powers, which were recently expanded.
- Inclusion of auto-rickshaw drivers under the Odisha Motor Transport Drivers and Workers Welfare Board.
- Pension benefits for drivers aged above 60.
- Insurance coverage of ₹20 lakh in case of death due to road accidents.
- Reservation of 70% jobs in mines, quarries, and factories for local drivers.
- Declaration of September 1 as National Drivers’ Day.
These demands reflect growing frustration among drivers who feel overlooked despite playing a critical role in the state’s economic and supply chain ecosystem.
Divided Front Among Driver Unions
However, the protest has not received unanimous support across Odisha’s transport community. Several prominent unions have distanced themselves from the agitation, calling the demands either excessive or poorly timed.
Santosh Sahu, organising secretary of the All Odisha Road Transport Workers Mahasangha, clarified that only two out of 35 state-level driver unions are participating in the strike.
“We are not part of this protest as most of the demands are unjustified and not aligned with the collective stance of other unions,” Sahu told local media.
The split within the driver fraternity raises questions about the long-term sustainability and reach of the ongoing protest.
Government Initiates Dialogue Amid Mounting Pressure
As pressure mounted, the Odisha government called representatives of the protesting unions for a discussion scheduled for Tuesday evening. Sources from the Transport Department confirmed that efforts are being made to resolve the deadlock and ensure that public inconvenience is minimized.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“We recognize the concerns of the driver community, but any resolution must balance welfare with public interest. We are hopeful that talks will yield positive results.”
Political and Economic Implications
The timing of the protest comes as Odisha gears up for a series of infrastructure and industrial expansion projects, many of which depend heavily on commercial logistics. A prolonged strike could lead to construction delays, commodity price hikes, and economic losses for both the private sector and consumers.
Additionally, with local elections expected in several districts later this year, the state government will likely tread cautiously in its approach to resolving the issue, avoiding any backlash from the driver community — a key working-class vote bank.
Public Reactions: Mixed Sentiments
Reactions from the general public have been mixed. While some expressed sympathy for the drivers’ cause, others raised concerns about the timing and method of protest.
“We understand their demands, but a complete strike isn’t the solution. The daily livelihood of many small traders and farmers depends on smooth transport,” said Mamata Das, a vegetable vendor at Bhubaneswar’s Unit I market.
“We support them if the government is really ignoring their needs. But they should ensure essential supplies are not affected,” added Ramesh Jena, a college student.
What’s Next?
As the drivers’ union prepares for its scheduled meeting with the government, stakeholders across Odisha — from wholesalers and transporters to farmers and daily wage earners — await a resolution with bated breath.
Should the talks fail to yield concrete outcomes, the state may soon witness:
- Delays in retail restocking and perishable goods supply.
- Shortage of essential items like milk, medicines, and grains in semi-urban and rural areas.
- A ripple effect on fuel logistics, public transportation, and construction supply chains.
The Bigger Picture
The Odisha drivers’ protest is not just about road transport—it brings to the fore larger issues of labour rights, local employment, social security, and the balance of power between state machinery and workers.
As India’s transport and logistics sector becomes more tech-driven and centralized, many ground-level workers fear marginalization unless systemic reforms ensure their inclusion in welfare frameworks.
Whether this protest ends quickly or escalates further will depend heavily on the tone and transparency of government dialogue — and whether empathy can be matched by tangible policy action.
Reader Takeaway:
The ongoing ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ protest by commercial drivers in Odisha has disrupted transport operations and sparked fears of supply chain breakdowns. While the state government has initiated dialogue, the outcome remains uncertain. The strike highlights the pressing need for inclusive transport policies that balance development with worker welfare.