West Bengal govt makes public bus services better, boosts incomes, and reduces subsidies

In 2017-18, for instance, the annual subsidy (see table) bill towards these three entities was Rs 830 crore. But this bill has been coming down and in the current financial year, it is expected to fall below the Rs 700 crore level.

West Bengal govt, bengal public bus services, bengal trasport system, bengal transport corporations, West Bengal Transport Corporation, Bengal State Transport Corporation,indian express

A key change has been the introduction of electric buses. These reduce the overall bill as an electric bus runs at almost half the cost. (Express photo)

Over the past three financial years, the West Bengal government has been consistently reducing the subsidy payouts to the three transport corporations — namely the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) and North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC). In 2017-18, for instance, the annual subsidy (see table) bill towards these three entities was Rs 830 crore. But this bill has been coming down and in the current financial year, it is expected to fall below the Rs 700 crore level.

The trick was to reduce costs and increase the net incomes of the transport corporations. Narayan Swarup Nigam, the Principal Secretary to the Transport Department, said, “during this economic year the price of diesel increased and the maintenance cost of the buses also increased. Despite that, we are targeting to reduce the subsidy because we are now generating higher incomes”. The government also plans to increase the number of buses. This, in turn, is expected to generate more revenue. In the process, the government plans to recruit at least 750 additional drivers and conductors. “The state Cabinet has already given the green signal for this,” said Nigam.

A key change has been the introduction of electric buses. These reduce the overall bill as an electric bus runs at almost half the cost. As of now, around 80 electric buses are being used in and around Kolkata, and 70 other in Haldia, Asansol and Siliguri.

Another change that reduced costs and boosted incomes was the rationalise the number of workers employed per bus from over 10 to just 3.5 during the tenure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Another decision that boosted incomes was the use of air-conditioned buses.

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More