Suvendu announces roadmap for diverted transport services

Kolkata: State Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a new roadmap for a slew of transport services to ensure smooth commuting for passengers in the wake of Talla Bridge being closed down for heavy vehicles since September 25.

The minister gave a patient hearing to the demands and problems faced by the bus operators, taxi hailing app services and auto-rickshaw operators at Transport Bhavan in Kasba.

The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) is already running 28 buses (34-seater) in the diverted routes. The number of WBTC buses will be increased to 50 by Diwali. This apart, 100 more mini-buses (24-seater) will start operating from Dunlop.

"We conducted a meeting with the bus operators, taxi hailing app services and auto-rickshaw operators at Transport Bhavan. We have chalked out a diversion route," said Adhikari.

He reiterated that 100 additional auto-rickshaws will run in different routes such as R G Kar, Sinthi More, Dunlop and Noapara. "There will be fare rate sticker in each auto-rickshaw," Adhikari added.

On Saturday, a control room has been set up at the Traffic Police Training School in Belgachia to monitor movement of public vehicles on the diverted routes. 10 technical and non-technical officials have been appointed to monitor the traffic movement on the diverted routes from the control. CCTV cameras will be installed at different places to keep track of the movement of vehicles.

The minister pointed out that after the collapse of Majerhat Bridge, the government has decided to check the condition of all the bridges in the city. Vehicles from Barrackpore and Sodepur in North 24-Parganas use Talla Bridge to reach the city.

It is also a key link between Shyambazar, Chiria More, Sinthee, Dunlop and B T Road in the city. Talla bridge-bound goods vehicles have been diverted from B T Road to Kona Expressway.

"The erstwhile government that ruled the state for 34 years did not bother to repair the bridges. The best engineers were brought from Mumbai to check the condition of Talla Bridge. They said the bridge is unfit," added the minister.