Cops fine buses for route permit violations, illegal parking
Times of India | 8 July 2026
Kolkata: Kolkata Traffic Police has started fining buses that do not complete their permitted routes, especially buses from Howrah that stop early between Esplanade and Sealdah.
Police said this causes problems for passengers, who are forced to change buses. It also leads to illegal parking on JL Nehru Road, Mayo Road, Esplanade and Dalhousie, reducing road space.
Police will call bus owners, route secretaries and union leaders for talks. They will warn them to ensure drivers and conductors follow the full route.
Police said some buses going to south Kolkata also stop at Esplanade in the evening instead of going to Babughat or Howrah. Some are also accused of rash driving, blocking other buses at Park Street and Rabindra Sadan, and misbehaving with passengers.
Luxury cars and taxis parked illegally near Maidan, Lovers’ Lane and Kidderpore Road are also being towed.
The drive has two aims: to stop buses from ending trips illegally before reaching Howrah, Sealdah, Rajabazar or other permitted points, and to enforce the High Court order against parking near Victoria Memorial.
Violators are being fined under the Motor Vehicles Act, with a minimum fine of Rs 500.