Auto crisis hits last-mile connectivity on key routes
Times of India | 26 March 2026
Kolkata: Last-mile connectivity across the city is facing a growing crisis, particularly in the late evening, as a sharp decline in auto availability leaves commuters stranded and struggling to get home.
Autos have traditionally acted as the backbone of last-mile connectivity, especially with the expansion of the Metro network, and their reduced presence on roads is now exposing critical gaps in urban mobility. Studies suggest nearly 60% of metro passengers rely on autos for quick and convenient access to stations. Over the decades, a network of auto routes has evolved, particularly on stretches perpendicular to metro lines — from Garia to Dakshineswar.
At the heart of the disruption lies an ongoing LPG fuel crisis, which auto operators say has impacted their ability to stay on the roads, especially during non-peak hours. Since 2008, 99% of the city's auto fleet have been running on auto-LPG.
The issue is not as severe during office hours. "Beyond that, 30%–40% of autos queue up at fuel pumps. This has reduced availability at night," said Swapan Tarafdar, a Taratala-Jadavpur route committee member.
The impact is being felt across key routes. On Tollygunge–Behala and Chowrasta–Sakherbazar–Haridevpur corridors, evening wait times have risen from 10-15 minutes to over 25 minutes after 8 pm.
"This is despite fares increasing by Rs 2 per stage," said Arka Banerjee, a Behala resident. "App-based buses are stepping in, but fares vary widely, from Rs 20 to Rs 40, depending on demand and lack of alternatives."
Two govt bus routes, S-31 and D-10, that could have mitigated the problem do not operate beyond office hours. At Behala Chowrasta, waiting time for autos has tripled — from five minutes last month to nearly 15 minutes now.
"Buses are overcrowded and we often have to stand on the footboard," said Ujjala Sen from Shakuntala Park. On the Hazra–Kidderpore route, reduced auto frequency has forced many metro commuters to switch to buses via Rabindra Sadan.
"We are losing passengers, and this could permanently affect the route," said Md Samsad, an auto operator on the route.
"In the afternoon and late night, there are fewer passengers, and fuel costs are high. So many of us avoid those hours," said an operator on the Ruby–Baghajatin route.
The shutdown of informal "kata gas" refuelling setups has compounded the problem, pushing operators to depend on costlier fuel from official pumps. As a result, commuters in areas like Mukundapur, Ruby, Anandapur, Kalikapur, and Santoshpur are increasingly turning to e-rickshaws and app cabs.
Operators say services may continue to remain curtailed unless the LPG supply stabilises.