"There is a plan to increase transport fare, but no discussion has yet been held with bus operators and unions," Chakraborty said, adding that the government has no plan to effect a steep fare hike.
"There may be a 50 paise fare hike in the first stage of travel by bus," he added. The minister admitted that the Left parties first launched movements against transport fare hikes and the tradition was still continuing.
He said Left opposition party Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI), which took the streets on various occasions was silent on the issue.
To a question, the Transport minister said that 300 state-owned buses were on roads today during the Trinamool Congress-sponsored 12-hour 'Bangla bandh', but most were later withdrawn due to lack of passengers.
He said old buses were put on the streets and not the new ones each costing Rs 20 lakh for fear of damage.