Kolkata: With the East-West Metro corridor remaining shut for eight days in two phases in Feb, alternative commute arrangements are being worked out to ensure seamless. Apart from planning additional bus services, the authorities have also asked the auto drivers not to charge extra from passengers getting off at Ultadanga and moving towards Sector V and New Town.
Special shuttle services between Ultadanga-Sector V-New Town and Howrah-Sealdah are on the anvil, with the curtailing of some bigger routes. Ferry services from Howrah will be increased as well, said transport department officials.
To maintain normal transportation services for the public on these days, the transport department earlier held a meeting with private bus owners' associations. At this meeting, led by transport secretary Saumitra Mohan, private bus owners were informed about the metro closure and were requested to operate additional buses.
Titu Saha, a leader of the City Suburban Bus Service, said: "We have communicated that certain routes like KB-16, KB-24, 239, K-1 and 260 can have curtailed routes from Ultadanga during the office time. They can service the IT sector."
Rahul Chattopadhyay of the All Bengal Bus Minibus Coordination Committee stated: "We cannot increase services by purchasing new buses. We have communicated this. What we can do is increase the number of trips. Route C, for example, which connects Howrah with Esplanade, can touch the metro stations as and when required. Our representatives will be present at Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake to coordinate with the transport department."
However, the transport department will take further steps once they receive feedback from passengers on the ground on the first day, claimed sources.