To tackle shortage of buses in Kolkata, 400 new buses will be added. (File pic of Howrah bridge)
To tackle shortage of buses in Kolkata, the state transport department has decided to issue permits for around 400 new private buses.
Transport Minister Madan Mitra told reporters that after studying how to rationalise bus routes, the department had decided to start nine new routes touching E M Bypass, Esplanade and Howrah station.
Around 120 of the 400 private buses will be air-conditioned, Mr Mitra said adding that the permits would be issued immediately.
"We do not want to give it to bus syndicates who own 10-12 buses and indulge in blackmail. We will give the permits to unemployed youths or those who need livelihood.
There will be no middlemen in the process and the permits would be issued straight from the transport department office," Mr Mitra said.
For those buying new buses, no guarantor or security collateral would be needed in case of a bank loan, he said.
The minister said that after a gap of 11 years this is for the first time that the department was issuing fresh permits for buses.
This is being done under a project named 'Gatidhara' by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The new bus routes would also cover Nabanna, the new state secretariat in Howrah adjoining Kolkata, and areas like Behala, Shalimar, New Barrackpore, Kasba, Alipore Zoo, etc.
For the fast-growing New Town, Rajarhat and Salt Lake Sector-V areas, they have planned to introduce 70 new buses.
For pilgrims, two new routes would be introduced - Dakshineshwar temple to Kalighat temple and Park Circus to Furfura Sharif in Hooghly district.
Additionally the government is also introducing new buses from the state transport corporations.
"Tender work is done and Tata and Volvo has already agreed while an agreement is expected to be reached soon from Ashok Leyland," Mr Mitra said.
Meanwhile, he ruled out any increase in bus fares despite repeated demands of bus operators.