Kolkata: With weeks to go before the assembly polls, a coalition of civil society groups has unveiled an Urban Mobility Charter for Kolkata and other Bengal cities, calling for transport reforms and greater investment in people-centric systems. It urges political parties to prioritise public transport, cleaner mobility and safer streets across Kolkata and West Burdwan.
Developed by SwitchON Foundation, Kolkata Cycle Samaj, Kolkata Bus-o-Pedia Foundation, Asar and The Climate Thinker, the charter frames mobility as more than a transport issue, linking it to public health, gender equity and economic opportunity.
It highlights a deepening crisis. Kolkata, home to nearly 60% of the state's urban population, has seen its bus fleet shrink from more than 6,000 to around 3,500 vehicles despite rising demand, leaving about 72% of commuters facing overcrowding. Transport contributes 19%-31% of PM2.5 emissions in core city areas, with many buses still running on BS III diesel engines. Industrial hubs such as Asansol and Durgapur remain among India's non-attainment cities for air quality.
Despite low vehicle ownership, Kolkata ranked as the second-most congested city in 2024, reflecting inefficient road use and poor integration. Notably, 60-70% of daily trips in Kolkata and Asansol are under 4 km, highlighting the potential for walking and cycling.
The charter flags governance gaps, including the absence of a dedicated intracity state transport undertaking and weak data transparency, and calls for reviving tram services. It outlines a 2031 roadmap focused on expanding and modernising bus systems, creating an Urban Transport Fund, setting up empowered transport authorities, ensuring a bus stop within a five-minute walk and integrating informal modes like auto-rickshaws.
With EVs at just 1.5% of the state's fleet, it pushes for rapid electrification, expanded charging infrastructure and green taxes, alongside measures such as free bus travel for women and gender sensitisation of staff.
The coalition has engaged leaders across parties, positioning mobility reform as a key governance test ahead of the elections.