Kolkata: Commuters in Kolkata had a trying time on the road due to a lack of public transport on Sunday, with only 60% of the city’s buses back in service after the June 1 polling. The first Monday after the polls may be challenging, with fewer buses on the road and the demand for app-based services — both four-wheelers and two-wheelers — exceeding supply.The situation is expected to improve by the weekend, with all buses returning to service.
Cabs that were requisitioned have mostly returned to service. However, fares have surged significantly due to high demand throughout the weekdays.
Buses scheduled to return after the election have mostly been retained for vote-counting duties till June 4. Although 60% of the buses have been released, 40% remain under police requisition. These buses are being used to transport electronic voting machines (EVMs) and a large number of police and paramilitary personnel for the vote-counting process, reflecting the logistical demands of the elections.
“Most of the buses have been kept back for the Quick Response Teams to move,” said Titu Saha, general secretary of the City Suburban Bus Service.
Aniket Banerjee of Busopedia shared his concerns, saying, “I don’t think Kolkata will have the usual number of buses back before June 5.” He further said, “Mini buses from Asansol and Barakar have been seen in Kolkata. So many buses from such distant areas are being brought here. Just imagine the fate of Kolkata buses. The counting of votes will happen on the 4th, and on the 5th, the buses will return. We can expect normal services from 6th or 7th.”
Dipu Pandey, secretary of the Esplanade bus depot union, highlighted the impact on long-distance buses: “Half of our express route buses have been requisitioned, and we are experiencing huge passenger traffic issues, especially on Kolkata-Siliguri route.”
In addition to logistical challenges, there are ongoing issues with the daily allowance for buses requisitioned by the police. Titu Saha pointed out, “The election had already reduced the number of passengers significantly. This has further decreased the number of available buses, especially now. On the counting day, both passengers and bus owners fear the unavailability of buses and lack of customers.”
Citizens are feeling the pinch. “Usually, there are fewer buses on Sundays, but today the number was exceptionally low. I’ve been waiting for half an hour for a bus that usually comes in every ten minutes,” said Mohana Paul, a resident of Salt Lake.
Arindam Mukherjee, a student of Jadavpur University and resident of Nagerbazar, said, “There has been an excessive decrease in the number of buses even in busy areas like Jadavpur, where there’s always an alternative bus to catch.”
Tapan Banerjee, general secretary of Joint Council of Bus Syndicate, confirmed the shortage. “Buses on routes 1, 12, 13, 12C, and 37 are seen less in Kolkata. In north Kolkata, 3D, 34C, and 30D have reduced frequency,” he said.