Howrah’s Lifeline: For far too long, commuters in Howrah have faced daily hardships due to the absence of buses on numerous routes. This void has inadvertently fueled the rise of unauthorized auto-rickshaws, adding to the public’s woes.
The district administration has initiated efforts to reintroduce bus services on the defunct routes. According to sources within the District Transport Department, a decision has been made to issue new bus permits for routes where services have completely ceased or are running with a drastically reduced fleet. New buses will be introduced in phases to address this pressing issue.
Initially, the focus will be on reissuing permits for five critical routes: 79, 6, 6A, 82, and 83. Transport Department officials confirm that these routes have been largely out of service for an extended period.
The 79 number route previously connected Alampur to Bally Halt Station, later extended to Dunlop and Panchla. Once a bustling route with numerous buses, it now stands completely abandoned. Many bus owners were forced to withdraw their services as their permits expired, while diminishing profits led others to exit the business entirely. Consequently, this once-vital bus route in Howrah no longer exists.
Similarly, the 83 number route originated from Botanic Garden Gate No. 1, covering areas like Betaitola Outpost, Kazipara, Howrah Maidan, Pilkhana, Salkia Chourasta, Belur Math, G Ghosh Road, Bandhaghat, Golabari, Bankim Road, and Foreshore Road, before returning to Botanic Garden.
Both the 82 and 83 routes historically operated with a fleet of 30 buses each. Currently, not a single bus runs on either route. To rectify this, a total of 60 new bus permits will be issued for these two routes, and tenders have already been invited from interested bus owners. An official from the Regional Transport Department stated that in addition to these, new bus permits will also be granted for other routes that have seen services withdrawn.
The 6 number route is in a similar state. Buses on this route formerly traveled from Howrah’s Botanic Garden to Dharmatala, passing through Howrah Station, Brabourne Road, and Mission Row. The 6A route connected Danesh Sheikh Lane in Howrah to Dharmatala via Shibpur, Howrah Station, Brabourne Road, and Mission Row.
The 82 number route started from Botanic Garden Gate No. 1, covering Amtala Outpost, Carey Road, Howrah Indoor Stadium, Tikiapara, Belgachia More, Salkia Chourasta, Belur Math, J N Mukherjee Road, Howrah Station, Howrah Maidan, and Ichapur, before returning to Botanic Garden.
Beyond these, several other Howrah bus routes, including 54/2, 61A, 58, 30, 31, 17, and K 6, have also ceased operations. The Transport Department’s initiative marks a crucial step towards restoring public transportation and easing the daily commute for thousands of Howrah residents.
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