Tolly-Behala auto ops hit after drivers clash with traders
Times of India | 31 January 2026
Kolkata: At least 45-odd autos plying on the Tollygunge Phari-Behala route stopped operations after they got involved in a spat with local traders, including the owner of a biryani shop.
The sudden shutdown hit evening commuters, especially those returning home after availing Metro services till Rabindra Sarobar. With commuters forced to look for other options, the Rashbehari-Behala route increased fares abruptly, even as the wait for Tollygunge-Behala Chowrasta and Jadavpur PS-Behala grew fairly long.
The auto drivers claimed that they wanted to renovate their office located at the busy Tollygunge Phari crossing but were being stopped by the traders. The local traders pointed to their shop being forcefully taken over by auto operators. This led to heated arguments and a minor clash before auto drivers tried to squat at the crossing.
Cops intervened and asked the 2 sides to settle the matter. Till then, the auto union decided to suspend services, cops claimed. The union, though, claimed that police asked them to stop plying without agreeing to a peace pact. "Each time it is the commuter who has to suffer for some random attacks by the auto operators. There needs to be tighter rules to ensure that they cannot resort to pressure tactics off and on," said Purabi Roy, a Behala resident.
Commuters also reported crowding at Metro exits and bus stops, with many forced to take app cabs or shared taxis at higher rates.