Min conducts ground survey to address commuters’ concerns
Kolkata: In response to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s directive, Transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty on Monday conducted an on-ground survey across some of Kolkata’s busiest locations and listened to commuters’ woes regarding the shortage of bus services.
Chakraborty, accompanied by department secretary Saumitra Mohan and other senior officials, visited high-traffic areas including Dharmatala, Chingrighata, SDF and College More in Saltlake Sector V. The minister interacted with passengers to understand the issues they face due to the lack of buses. Officials also recorded commuters’ suggestions and feedback from traffic police.
Speaking about the survey, Chakraborty said: “The Chief Minister is concerned about ensuring smooth bus services. She noticed passengers waiting at bus stops and instructed us to conduct on-ground assessments.” He added: “We have already increased the frequency of several buses over the past month and now we are looking to identify areas where more services are needed. Following the CM’s instructions, we will boost the frequency of buses where necessary to fill the gaps.” The survey will continue for several more days, with the minister assuring that the required improvements will be implemented in due course.
Many commuters expressed frustration over the lack of buses, particularly during evening hours when returning home from work. A passenger, waiting at College More, said: “Buses are infrequent and overcrowded. I have to rely on expensive shuttle services to get home.” Another passenger, suggested the introduction of a bus tracking system to improve reliability, saying: “Government buses are not consistent and often run off schedule, making it difficult to reach my office on time.” During an administrative review meeting at Nabanna on January 2, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns about the shortage of buses and directed the transport minister to personally assess the situation. She also instructed the minister to conduct on-ground surveys to identify areas in need of increased bus services.
