Kolkata: The challenges faced by commuters in Kolkata are expected to diminish as public transport services gradually resume following the conclusion of the June 1 polling.
With only 60% of the city’s buses back in operation on Sunday, commuters encountered significant difficulties navigating the city’s roads. The situation may remain challenging on the first Monday post-polls, as the supply of buses lags behind the demand for app-based ride services, both for four-wheelers and two-wheelers. However, the situation is anticipated to improve steadily throughout the week, with a full fleet of buses expected to be back in service by the weekend.
While many cabs requisitioned for election duties have returned to service, commuters are likely to face increased fares due to heightened demand during weekdays. Buses earmarked to resume operations post-election have largely been retained for vote-counting activities until June 4. Despite the release of 60% of the buses, the remaining 40% remain under police requisition, primarily utilized for transporting electronic voting machines (EVMs) and facilitating the movement of police and paramilitary personnel involved in the vote-counting process. This retention underscores the logistical complexities associated with election operations. “Most of the buses have been retained to facilitate the movement of Quick Response Teams,” remarked an official from the City Suburban Bus Service, shedding light on the operational priorities during the post-poll period.
As Kolkata’s transportation network gradually returns to normalcy, commuters can anticipate a smoother journey ahead. However, the initial challenges underscore the importance of robust contingency planning and proactive measures to address transportation disruptions during significant events like elections. With a concerted effort from transportation authorities and stakeholders, Kolkata’s commuters can look forward to more reliable and efficient transport services in the days to come.
