West Bengal Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari today said 255 buses will be introduced in the 2016-17 fiscal by three state transport undertakings (STUs) and claimed that the effort to integrate the three STUs - CSTC, CTC and WBSTC was a turnout strategy.
Adhikari in his reply during a discussion in the Assembly said plan assistance would be provided to the STUs for purchase of 255 buses during 2016-17 fiscal to intensify their services throughout the state.
The plan outlay for the STUs has been enhanced from Rs 161 crore to Rs 183 crore during the current financial year, he said.
To augment the road transport infrastructure, funds would be provided for construction renovation of a considerable number of bus stands and bus terminus throughout the state.
"Major development works have been taken up for the Howrah Bus terminus Complex, Garia No.6 Bus stand, Jadavpur 8B bus stand, Bethuadahari under Nakashipara Block, Malbazar bus stand in Jalpaiguri and Karunamoyee International Bus stand," he said adding, a night shelter at the NBSTC Depot at Ultadanga would also be build.
The minister said adequate priority has been given for the development of Inland Water Transport sector through construction and renovation of jetties and vessels.
He said with the view to ensure basic amenities at the jetties, it has been decided that management of all important and major jetty ghats with the KMA area would be brought under direct control of the transport department.
According to the minister the transport department would stress on mobilisation of MV revenue during current financial year and a budget for collection of Rs 2,060 crore has been fixed during 2016-17, which was 20 per cent above the revenue generated in 2015-16.
Adhikari said an mobile app, similar to those of private operators Uber and Ola, has been introduced for the city's yellow and white-blue taxis.
The minister also said the government would not tolerate any high-handedness from the cab operators, including threats of strikes.
