Sambalpur, Nov. 29: The bus service between Burla and Sambalpur was affected today following a dispute between the bus owners’ associations of the two towns. Both the associations have decided not to let their buses enter the other area. However, buses from other destinations are being allowed to ply on this route.

Locals said 45 vehicles belonging to the Samblapur and Burla bus owners’ associations were plying between the two towns. As these buses have stopped running, commuters in the two towns are suffering.

The problem began when the bus owners’ association in Sambalpur stopped two buses belonging to Burla Bus Association from entering on July 26. The two buses had originated from other places and had passed through Burla to reach Sambalpur. The association had stated that only buses from Burla were to run between the two towns despite the fact that the two buses had valid transport permits. A case was registered with the Ainthapali police station in Sambalpur. Following police intervention, the buses were released, said Bibekananda Panda, president of Burla Bus Association

Trouble erupted again when, on November 11 and 15, the Sambalpur association stopped and detained two buses. “We want a permanent solution to this problem. The Burla buses will not go to Sambalpur till the problem is resolved,” said Panda.

President of Sambalpur Bus Association, Saroj Patra said: “The bus owners of Burla had stopped buses of the Sambalpur bus association. We had informed the Burla police and the district administration about this matter.”

He alleged that the bus owners’ association of Burla was collecting money from the Sambalpur Bus Association for parking vehicles.

“We have requested the administration to provide a separate place for our buses so that we could operate separately,” added Patra.

“We have also written to the superintendent of police of Sambalpur to find a permanent solution. If the problem is not resolved within three days, we will be compelled stop the movement of all buses on the Sambalpur-Bargarh route.”

The regional transport officer has called a meeting of the two associations to resolve the dispute.