West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the introduction of 1,000 new eco-friendly buses in the state over the next year. This announcement came after flagging off 50 new buses at Paribahan Bhawan in Kolkata, which included 43 CNG and seven electric vehicles.

During the event, Adhikari emphasised that the new buses are part of a broader strategy to enhance the public transport system in West Bengal. He mentioned that a proposal for an additional 400 buses is currently awaiting approval, indicating a proactive approach towards modernising the state’s transport fleet.

Adhikari stated, “Today, we inaugurated 50 environment-friendly buses… a proposal has been submitted regarding the urgent need for 400 additional buses, and this will also be sanctioned.” His focus remains on ensuring that the fleet comprises modern amenities while aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

Plans for Modernising Transport and Waterways

In addition to the bus expansion, Chief Minister Adhikari shared plans for the modernisation of Bengal’s inland waterways. He described the existing waterway network as a significant asset for both passenger transport and tourism.

Adhikari highlighted that improvements would be made to jetties managed by the Transport Department. He stated, “We aim to effectively integrate these waterways to facilitate not only passenger travel but also tourism and trade,” with plans for high-quality services in destinations such as the Sundarbans.

Moreover, he revealed that following a recent meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 4, West Bengal has been included in both the Water Metro initiative and the UDAN scheme, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.

Focus on Road Safety and Environmental Compliance

As part of his address, Adhikari underscored the importance of road safety and environmental compliance, announcing a campaign against ageing vehicles. He proposed a month-long initiative aimed at raising awareness about vehicles over 15 years old that are deemed not environmentally friendly.

“These vehicles cannot legally obtain a road permit renewal and must be taken off the road immediately,” he stated, also noting the potential revenue benefits of this campaign. This approach is aimed at strengthening the government’s financial structure while promoting sustainable practices.

Adhikari also provided insights into the future of Kolkata’s metro network, explaining the distribution of responsibilities between the state and the Union Railway Ministry. He confirmed that the Railways would manage the maintenance and expansion of the metro, while the state government would offer necessary support for new developments.

Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed the future of Kolkata’s tram services, affirming their historical significance. He noted that the Transport Minister must consider traffic congestion and recommended that trams operate in areas that attract scenic views or landmarks, catering to tourists.

In conclusion, Adhikari reiterated that the state’s transport priorities should focus on modernisation, speed, and sustainability, stating, “Our transport system needs to be speedy, modern, and environmentally friendly.” The event was attended by Arjun Singh, Minister-in-Charge for Transport and Labour Departments, along with Anandamay Barman, Minister of State for Transport and Finance. This reflects a collaborative effort towards enhancing public transportation in West Bengal.

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