Debate Over Fitness Certification Intensifies Among Kolkata's Bus Operators

Private bus operators in West Bengal are urging the state government to reconsider a proposal for biannual fitness checks for commercial vehicles, arguing it will financially burden the struggling industry. They suggest extending bus age limits and focusing on engine maintenance instead of age-based scrapping.

The association of private bus operators in West Bengal has expressed concerns over a government proposal mandating biannual fitness checks for commercial vehicles, citing potential financial strain on an already struggling industry.

Tapan Banerjee, secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates, dismissed claims of a draft proposal extending the life of buses based on emissions, calling the speculation baseless.

Banerjee argued that more frequent fitness checks would be costly and urged authorities to focus on engine maintenance, as age alone doesn't contribute to pollution.

(With inputs from agencies.)