Suvendu flags off 100 app-based AC buses

Kolkata: State Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari flagged off 100 app-based AC buses from Dunlop on Friday.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee always wants that people should not face any difficulties after the closure of Talla bridge for buses and heavy vehicles. She is concerned for the commuters. Under her instructions, we are launching 100 app-based AC buses from Dunlop today," said the Transport minister.

Talla Bridge is the prime gateway for vehicles entering Kolkata from North 24-Parganas, on which plying of buses and mini-buses was stopped after RITES revealed that the condition of the structure is unfit for vehicles over three tonnes. However, four-wheelers weighing below that limit have been allowed to ply at a restricted speed of 10 km an hour since September 25.

At present, West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) is running 28 buses (34-seater) on the diverted routes. For the convenience of commuters, a map of the diverted routes will be put up at different public places.

This apart, two new auto routes — between Sinthi More and Shyambazar Bata as well as Chiria More and Shyambazar Bata – were introduced on October 3.

A control room has also been set up at the Kolkata Traffic Police Institute in Belgachia to monitor plying of vehicles on the diverted routes.

"The Transport department is carrying out its duty to help commuters reach their destination through the diverted routes without harassment. We have also started ferry services from Kuthighat connecting Bagbazar ghat and Farlie Place ghat on October 21. The new ferry services will

benefit the people of Baranagar, Cossipore and North Kolkata," the minister said.

At present, four 200-seater double engine vessels are running and one is being kept as reserve. Soon, the number of vessels will be increased to 10.

It may be mentioned here that the health of a number of bridges and flyovers in the city is being checked by the administration, after the collapse of the Majerhat bridge in 2018.

Referring to the collapse of Majerhat bridge, the minister pointed

out that 84 app-based AC buses

have already been introduced in Behala, Joka and Haridevpur for smooth movement of commuters. The buses are still running and the public reception of them has been very positive.