The recent revision in fuel prices is poised to severely impact Kolkata's public transport sector. Following volatility in international markets and escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, diesel prices have crossed the Rs 95 per litre mark. While economists note that central interventions have mitigated a more severe price shock, the Rs 3 hike has pushed private transport operators to the brink, prompting urgent demands for a fare revision.
Operators Demand Immediate Action
Private bus syndicates argue that survival is impossible without immediate intervention. The last official bus fare revision in West Bengal occurred in 2018. However, bus operators, in consultation with commuters, have already been charging fares significantly higher than those set in 2018. Titu Saha, general secretary of the City & Suburban Bus Service, stated, "The previous government held talks with us, but nothing concrete ever materialized. Fares must be revised according to current ground realities."
In a coordinated effort, at least five major bus organizations have tallied current stage fares against competitive local transit options like auto-rickshaws and the Metro. Under their new proposal, operators are pushing for a restructured minimum fare for the first three kilometers — a distance that currently stretches to four kilometers under the outdated chart. "We are also asking for an incremental price jump for distances up to six kilometers. For anything beyond nine kilometers, we will not need major changes," Saha explained.
Formal Charter of Demands
Echoing these concerns, Tapan Banerjee of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate confirmed that they are drafting a formal charter of demands for the state government. "With a Rs 3 rise in diesel, we are suffering directly. We are hoping that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will listen to our demands," Banerjee stated.
Calls for Balanced Approach
However, transport advocates urge a balanced approach. Aniket Banerjee, general secretary of Kolkata Bus-o-pedia, acknowledged that while a fare hike is a genuine necessity, implementing flat Rs 5 jumps between stages would be predatory. "The stages should be increased progressively by Rs 2," Banerjee suggested. "In Assam, the minimum AC bus fare is Rs 10. In Ahmedabad, AC transit starts at Rs 5, and Bhubaneswar keeps its minimum fare below Rs 6. Why should Kolkata commuters pay Rs 15 for a barely four-kilometer journey in an AC bus?"
Commuters' Concerns
For everyday passengers, the cascading effect of diesel pricing is double-edged. Sagnik Roy, a bank employee commuting daily from Garia to Dalhousie, said, "Any increase in fares right now will severely hit our monthly budgets." Sunita Mishra, a teacher, added, "The buses are often in deplorable condition with broken seats and terrible ventilation. If they want to charge more, they must first ensure these vehicles are roadworthy and run on time."
(With inputs from Eeshika Banerjee & Ritika Mukherjee)
