Kolkata's Bus Crisis: Commuters Grapple Amid Election Duty

Kolkata faces a severe bus shortage as thousands of vehicles remain engaged in election duties. With more than 90% of private buses still occupied, commuters experience crowded alternatives like the Metro. The disruption affects key routes, while normalcy is expected post-May 4 after vote counting concludes.

Kolkata commuters continue to struggle as a significant shortage of buses disrupts daily travel. The scarcity stems from over 90% of the private buses being requisitioned for election duties, with their return expected only post-May 4 vote counting.

Tapan Banerjee, from the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate, stated that most buses remain engaged in post-election tasks, including personnel movement. Commuters are thronging available options like Metro Railways, particularly affecting routes heavily reliant on buses.

State transport officials note that the majority of state-run buses are also tied up in election activities. Daily commuters, like techie Samudra Basu, face increased travel costs and inconveniences due to the ongoing situation, hoping for rapid normalization.