West Bengal Bus Owners Seek Extension Amid Compliance Deadline

The West Bengal Bus & Minibus Owners' Association has appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a two-year extension on the phase-out deadline for 15-year-old commercial vehicles. Financial struggles imposed by COVID-19 have hindered their ability to purchase new BS-6 compliant vehicles. They urge an audience to address the industry's revival.

With the August deadline for phasing out 15-year-old commercial vehicles approaching, the West Bengal Bus & Minibus Owners' Association has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to grant a two-year extension for these vehicles. The association, in a letter, highlighted that nearly 2,000 buses and minibuses will be forced off the roads due to pollution standards, affecting areas in Kolkata and Howrah.

Financial issues due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdowns have left bus owners unable to afford new, BS-6 compliant vehicles. The association has asked for a meeting to discuss measures to support the struggling bus and minibus industry. Pradip Narayan Bose, general secretary, emphasized that many vehicles were off the road during lockdowns, not contributing to pollution during that period.

Starting in August, over 80% of the 30,000 stage carriages in and around the city will be off the roads, adhering to the 15-year age limit directed by a 2009 Calcutta High Court order aimed at reducing pollution. Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty highlighted the legal constraints but suggested that owners approach the court for relief.