Commuters hang on the door of a crowded bus in Kolkata
Five private and minibus operators' associations have given a call for a state-wide bus strike on Monday, even as the state government remained steadfast in maintaining normal transport services.
The strike has been called to press for the demand for a hike in bus fares in view of the rising fuel costs, which had been turned down by the West Bengal government.
More than 37,000 private buses, including 8000 mini buses would be off the roads on Monday.
State Transport Minister Madan Mitra said that the government would ply additional 1000 Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) buses in the city while 100 Volvo buses would be kept at the airport and Howrah stations.
Mr Mitra said that he would personally monitor the situation at Sealdah and Howrah stations.
Meanwhile, the Left unions have called a students strike on Monday, coinciding with the transport strike to protest against the 'atrocities on women in the state'.
They have also demanded free and fair elections in colleges and universities.