All wheels on the road: Buses, metro and trains plan to run normal services today
Times of India | 28 August 2024
Kolkata: With the govt pressing into service its full fleet of buses and the cops warning of strict action if anyone tries to disrupt traffic movement, the transport sector is likely to remain unaffected in the city during BJP’s 12-hour bandh on Wednesday.
While Metro Railway announced normal services, bus and app cab unions stated that they will try to run services.The govt has assured them of “adequate compensation” if they face any vandalism. The state has also requested the railways — East, Southeast and NFR — to run normal services. It has also requested RPF and GRP to ensure normal functioning at the stations.
Titu Saha of City Suburban Service said extra workers had been requisitioned for Wednesday after a plea from the administration. “The govt will operate a special control room and we can directly report any disruptions on the road. We suffered losses on Tuesday. We cannot afford more loss,” said Saha.
Indranil Banerjee, general secretary of the West Bengal Online Cab Operators Guild, said they will be operating their entire fleet unless any major arson gets reported. “We had a fruitful meeting with the transport department. We are also offering a separate service for medical emergencies. If required, we can be contacted at 9804458045,” said Banerjee.
Auto unions, too, said there were “instructions” from party leaders to ensure normal services on Wednesday. Members of the West Bengal Contract Carriage Owners' and Operators' Association, said all their school as well as office buses will ply normally, provided the schools operate.
Arupam Dutta, vice-president of the Poolcar Owners' Welfare Association, said all its members will take a decision on a real-time basis. “Since there are exams, we will coordinate with guardians and schools. We had very thin attendance at South Point even on Tuesday. If they seek our service, we will assess the ground situation and try to provide our services,” said Dutta.