Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 -- Women and girls travelling on Ama Buses have called for dedicated services during peak hours, citing concerns over inappropriate touching and harassment in heavily crowded buses.

Passengers urged OdishaChief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to direct CRUT to operate at least 2 to 3 pair of women-only buses between 8 am and 10 am and again between 5 pm and 7 pm, when many people travel for work, education and other purposes, especially from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack.

Several women passengers alleged that some male passengers take advantage of overcrowding to touch women inappropriately. They said the heavy rush often makes it difficult to identify the person responsible.

Passengers also said that when they confront such ...