Transport dept to ply at least 450 buses at night from ‘Saptami’ to ‘Navami’

Kolkata: The state Transport department will ply an average of 450 buses at night from Saptami to Navami of Durga Puja to ensure availability of buses for people stepping out to enjoy the festive week. Similarly, private bus operators have also ensured that a good number of buses will be plied by them during this time.

With festive week approaching, the number of people hitting the streets for shopping and sightseeing also seems to be growing with each passing day. Keeping in mind the transportation requirement of the people, the department made these arrangements, according to a transport official.

According to sources, the department will ply an average of 450 buses during the day from Chaturthi to Sasthi and 200 buses at night.

Meanwhile, the plan will be reversed for Saptami to Navami. Around 200 buses will be plied during the day and 450 buses at night.

Apart from ensuring substantial bus services at night, the department will keep at least two bus drivers and conductors on standby in case of any emergency. Sufficient facilities for repairing buses in depots will also be ensured. The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) is planning on running a special shuttle service between Esplanade and Dunlop besides a number of routes adjacent to North and South Kolkata, EM Bypass, New Town and Barasat. The buses will run as per the rush and demand of the passengers.

There will be slight changes in the timings of buses of few routes like AC buses may start service slightly later than its scheduled time but the state Transport department has assured that buses will be made available in all routes during the festive days.

Like last year, the private operators have plans to ply 20 to 30 per cent buses all night during four days of Durga Puja starting from Sasthi night. Around 700 buses have been reduced in the fleet of private buses plying in the city and suburbs, according to a private operator. At present there are 3,500 to 4,000 buses being plied. The state Transport department has already announced that like last year, shopping special services from Howrah, Kolkata and Sealdah stations to markets will also be plied.

This year, the state Transport department also has plans to introduce an AC tram route from Gariahat to Shyambazar via Esplanade during three days of Puja.

It will cost Rs 600 per person and tour popular pujas, including Ekdalia, Singhi Park, Hatibagan Sarbojanin, among others. The trams will depart at 10 am and will be plied on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. People will be able to book through the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) portal as well as contact various depots and the state Transport department’s office for the details on the same.