Bhubaneswar: Unregulated movement of intercity private buses and auto-rickshaws continues to trouble citizens here, as the commerce and transport department is yet to take a decision on regulating them.

A high-level meeting between officials of the transport and housing and urban development departments was held on Thursday to come up with measures to restrict movement of these vehicles to free the roads from congestion. However, no concrete decision could be made.

"We formed a special committee and held the first coordination meeting to discuss on several aspects on allowing town buses on the intercity routes. We have considered the demands of the bus owners' associations. Appropriate measures will be taken shortly," said an official of urban development department.

In January last year, the government had decided to restrict the movement of private town buses and auto-rickshaws to allow smooth operation of the city buses and to make the city roads less congested. According to the decision, town buses will not be allowed to stop at random places, while auto-rickshaws kept off main roads.

Following the decision, several bus and auto-rickshaw owners' associations had opposed the move and went on strike on several occasions.

"They said that they will allow us to ply in the inner lanes, but we will get no passengers. We will be deprived of our livelihood," said auto driver Ashok Sahoo.

In response to the agitations, the government formed a committee to look into the grievances and take appropriate decision that benefits all.

"The decisions will not be confined to the state capital only, but the entire state. We have to look after all aspects and take decisions accordingly," the official said.

The delay in arriving at a decision, however, continues to allow town buses and auto-rickshaws to move at their own free will and congest road across the city.

"There has to be some control on the movement of these vehicles," said Patrapada resident Aakash Nayak.

He, however, said before restricting the movement of private vehicles, the government should take steps to strengthen public transport.

"There are not much city buses forcing us to opt for auto-rickshaws and town buses. They stop and move at will creating problems, but we need them in absence of adequate city buses," said Nayak.