Residents of south Kolkata and its adjoining suburbs are grappling with a severe public transport crisis, as a sharp decline in bus availability disrupts daily commutes. The situation, particularly acute in areas towards South 24 Parganas, has led to longer waiting times, severe overcrowding, and significant travel plan disruptions, especially during peak hours.
What's Causing the Bus Shortage?
Bus unions in Kolkata have reported a dramatic drop in the number of buses operating on city roads. The fleet has shrunk from an average of about 3,500 buses to roughly 2,700 in recent days. Officials and private operators cite a perfect storm of seasonal, administrative, and event-related factors for this shortage.
A significant section of the bus fleet has been diverted for the upcoming Gangasagar Mela. Furthermore, the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the voter list has reduced the availability of drivers and conductors, many of whom come from rural areas to work in the city and are now occupied with the electoral process.
Titu Saha, a leader of City Suburban Bus Services, highlighted additional challenges. "The cold weather discourages drivers and conductors from running buses in the evening, and weekend police pressures further reduce services," Saha said. He confirmed that buses hired for a religious event in Hooghly and the 2,500 buses deployed for Gangasagar duty have contributed to the city's shortfall.
Operational Impact and Commuter Woes
The staffing gaps are having a direct operational impact. Rahul Chatterjee, general secretary of the West Bengal Bus-Minibus Coordination Committee, explained, "The SIR process prevents many rural drivers and conductors from operating private buses in the city, further worsening the situation." This translates into fewer trips and reduced frequency on several key corridors.
For daily commuters, the reality is one of struggle. The reduced fleet has intensified crowding at major stops and terminals like Howrah and Esplanade, with passengers often unable to board the first available bus. Irregular schedules on some routes are forcing office-goers and students to opt for costlier alternatives or make multiple transfers.
The problem escalates after dark. "It became a pain to commute post 9 pm. Even major bus terminuses like Howrah and Esplanade had no buses coming towards south Kolkata except a few particular routes," said Amlan Bhattacharya, a resident of Behala Chowrasta. Many buses are skipping their last trips, leaving night commuters stranded.
How Long Will This Last?
The current disrupted bus services are likely to remain the same till January 18. The combined effect of the Gangasagar Mela commitments and the SIR process timeline means relief for Kolkata's harried commuters is still some days away. Until then, the city must brace for continued transport chaos during one of the busiest times of the year.
