Odisha: Rush to get back home clogs bus terminals in twin cities

BHUBANESWAR: A day ahead of the 15-day lockdown across Odisha, there was a huge rush at bus terminals as people made a beeline to return to their villages from cities on Tuesday. With no work for the next 15 days and fearing the lockdown may be extended and fearing they may have to fend for themselves, people did their best to escape the cities.
At Baramunda and Badambadi bus terminals in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, many were seen jostling to get into buses and to grab a seat. Most buses were packed with passengers alleging they were overcharged by conductors.
“Everything will remain closed. There will be no work. Where will we get food to eat?” asked Rama Desia, a daily-wage labourer from Koraput. “Back in the village at least our family will not sleep on empty stomach. In villages the infection load is also less than in the city,” said Rama who was taking his wife and two sons back.
He said the cost of a ticket to his village is around Rs 600, but seeing how desperate people are to return home, they are now charging between Rs 1000 to Rs 1200 per person.
Given last year’s struggle still vivid following the nationwide lockdown, this time the migrant workers did not want to take chances.
“Last year we did not get any bus or train to return home and were forced to go by foot or a bicycle. This year at least buses are available and we are in a hurry to reach home before the lockdown begins,” said Sumant, a labourer from Gajapati district.
The labourers also feared that unlike the last lockdown, this time the government may not give them any financial relief or support like cooked food during the lockdown.
“Last year we faced a lot of trouble and almost starved to death. At least in villages this problem will not be there. People are dying here as coronavirus is spreading fast and many people are not getting hospital beds. Who will take care of us?” asked Gurubari Munda, a woman who hails from Mayurbhanj district.