Kolkata, July 21: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in the flag-off ceremony for 50 air-conditioned buses at the Transport Bhavan in Kolkata on Tuesday. During the event, he made several significant announcements aimed at modernizing and enhancing the state’s transportation system to be more eco-friendly and efficient.
He stated that within a year, the state plans to introduce 1,000 new buses equipped with modern amenities and environmentally friendly features.
In a conversation with the media, CM Adhikari mentioned the inauguration of 50 eco-friendly buses, which include 43 CNG and 7 electric vehicles (EVs). “This is just the beginning. A proposal for an immediate need for 400 more buses has been submitted and will receive approval soon. In the coming year, we will launch 1,000 new buses that are eco-friendly and equipped with modern facilities,” he said.
The Chief Minister also outlined plans for upgrading jetties under the transport department. “We plan to upgrade the jetties operated by the transport department. We have an excellent inland waterways network, and we will work to enhance its connectivity. We will focus on passenger transport, tourism, and freight services. For destinations like Sundarbans, we plan to offer fantastic boat services and high-quality hospitality,” he added.
CM Adhikari highlighted the Kolkata Metro project, stating that it falls under the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India. “We have decided that the railway will maintain and expand it while we will provide support. Many states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have extensive metro networks. The Delhi Metro is also a state metro project,” he noted.
He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s national infrastructure vision, emphasizing that constructive collaboration with the central government is essential for the development of roads, railways, metros, and waterways, which will enhance industry, trade, and employment opportunities in the state.
CM Suvendu Adhikari concluded by stating that a modern, eco-friendly, and timely transport network is the true engine of West Bengal’s economic growth.
Based on the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Developed India,’ 40 key departments in the state are working towards this goal. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy by the state government to strengthen the transportation system and promote tourism and economic development.
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