368 more state buses on road to ease travel woes in Kolkata

Jan 07, 2025

The number of North and South Bengal State Transport Corporation buses also increased.
Prodded by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the transport department on Monday launched special services from major transit points to big hospitals in the city. A total of 368 extra buses operated on city roads. Senior transport department officials, including transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty and transport secretary Saumitra Mohan, carried out inspections across the city and interacted with commuters to assess their demands.

As promised by the transport department, all state transport undertakings (STUs) hit the streets with a record number of buses, easing commuters' woes. Maximum deployment was in Sector V and New Town. "After this inspection, we will review deployment on some routes. But we will continue to run special services between major transit points, such as Howrah, Sealdah, Esplanade, Karunamoyee (Salt Lake), Behala and Garia to major hospitals. This will help hospital-bound commuters to some extent," Chakraborty told TOI.

The CM, Chakraborty said, had rightly shown concerns about passengers' travails. "She has always tried to relieve passengers of hardship. We will ensure her mission is fulfilled," he said. "Following the CM's directive, utmost priority has been given to increasing the number of govt buses. Despite limitations, all efforts are on to achieve the target."

The transport department team visited Chingrighata, College More in Sector V, SDF More and Esplanade. "We interacted with commuters. Some pointed out they faced a sudden dip in the availability of buses after sunset. The minister assured them of a prompt solution," said an inspection team member.

In Sector V alone, 152 extra buses-72 non-AC and 80 AC-hit the street. "We still have a shortage in drivers and conductors. For long, the positions vacated by retired drivers and conductors could not be filled. We hope to have sanction for fresh recruitment on an emergency basis," said an official. In addition, 898 trips were added to meet the increased demand. According to a transport official, around 4,200 bus trips were operated in total.

The official added four buses were on a circular route centred around Rashbehari, Gariahat, Kalighat and Rabindra Sadan, doing 24 trips a day. Also, 156 trips were added in 26 routes, including key locations, like Hatisala, Shapoorji, Ultadanga, Karunamoyee, Behala, Barasat and Kamalgazi. The number of trips on Nabanna route increased from five to 10.

The number of North and South Bengal State Transport Corporation buses also increased.