The people of West Bengal are excited with the news that the iconic double-decker buses are set to roll again on the roads of Kolkata as the State government is toying with the idea of reintroducing double-decker buses in the city and this time the buses will have the new open-top feature, like the ones run in London.
In fact, an announcement was made regarding this by the transport minister Subhendu Adhikari, last July. He said that in an attempt of upgrading Kolkata as a modern global city, the government was contemplating the reintroduction of double-decker buses in the metro-city. This time it will embark on the roads with the open-roof concept. Such buses will serve the purpose of tourism and the covered double-decker buses will be used to ferry passengers.
The open-roof bus services were being planned to be operated by Durga Puja, but due to the upcoming state election the process is being delayed a little.
Double-decker buses used to ply in the city earlier but gradually the services were phased out.
However, recently, in a transport department meeting, it was decided that with the kickoff of the service once again, at first 10 double-decker buses will run in the state. While the state government is done with all the technical specifications of the srevice, the routes on which the buses will traverse are yet to be decided.
As stated by an official these modern buses will follow the latest provisions of the relevant Motor Vehicle Rules and latest emission standards. To start the service the government is procuring 10 double-decker buses at first.
Further he added that these new transport system will be equipped with destination boards both inside and outside, CCTV
cameras, fire extinguishers and seat belts. These will have automatic doors along with the special feature of BS IV complaint, or a higher version if applicable.
But taking the weather of the city into account, some transport experts have raised questions against the justification of purchasing open-roof buses for the city.
A transport expert said that Kolkata’s weather is mostly hot and humid throughout the year. So the open-roof buses can be operated for only a period of three to four months a year. Another transport department official, however, said that they can be operated in the evening, barring days it rains.
On the other hand the concept is being highly welcomed by the youth of Kolkata. With all excitement a 17 year boy told, “I have seen double-decker buses only in movies and heard stories from my elders. I am thrilled to hear that I will soon be able to travel in one.”
