Shuttle bus balm to ease commuters' auto pain
2
Kolkata: The WBTC on Thursday started a trial bus shuttle service between Garia crossing and New Garia station. However, it faced resistance from local auto operators as the administration scrambled to address the transportation crisis following the indefinite closure of Kavi Subhash metro station.
The Kavi Subhash station will stay shut for at least next nine months for the demolition of the old complex and the construction of a new one. Passengers, especially those getting off suburban local trains, are currently being forced to pay exorbitant auto fares — Rs 30-Rs 50 to travel to Shahid Khudiram metro station.
According to transport officials, efforts were underway to introduce additional bus services to alleviate the travel woes of commuters.
The 1.5km stretch between Shahid Khudiram and New Garia station currently doesn't have too many transport options. The existing bus services have proven insufficient to handle the passenger load. According to local commuters like Arnab Saha and Mridula Maitra, routes 45A and 45B operate sporadically during evening hours, while Naktala-Howrah mini buses run their Garia station services only during peak office hours.
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The AS3 (connecting New Town) service via Bypass is available but is not sufficient.
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In a meeting with local residents and bus fan groups, the owners of route 45 promised better services in the evening. "We have requested them not to terminate their services at Patuli. They have agreed in principle. However, we can only be sure when we find the resolution reflected on the ground," said Abhinava Paul of Kolkata Bus-o-pedia.
The situation was further complicated by the discontinuation of routes during the pandemic, including route 206 (New Garia to Salt Lake) and mini buses S116 and S124 (Garia station to Howrah station). The transport authorities are considering whether these services can be restarted.
WBTC, meanwhile, stated that it planned to operate one to two small buses during office hours. However, the resistance from auto operators threatens to impede this solution. A meeting between all stakeholders is likely soon to discuss possible steps.
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