Bus fleet, private car insurance to foil strike: Transport minister

KOLKATA: The state government will run more buses than usual and offer insurance cover to private vehicles against bandh damage, transport minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Sunday, assuring commuters that they wouldn’t face any problems on Tuesday and Wednesday, when Left Front-backed trade unions have called a strike.

State transport undertakings will run 2,200 buses in the city itself, said the minister. Apart from that, 30% extra buses will be kept ready for any unforeseen commuting demand. The transport department will maintain two helplines — 8902017191 and 18003455192 — for registering complaints. If complaints are lodged, transport department officers will redress the issue immediately, the minister said.

“I have spoken to police officers and asked them to maintain round-the-clock security on roads,” said Adhikari.

People who cause damage will be prosecuted under a new act, through which perpetrators will have to bear the cost of restoration, said a transport department officer.

The vehicle owner will have to file a complaint within 12 hours of the incident and will be reimbursed within 72 hours, the officer said. Additional police personnel will be deployed throughout the state to ensure there is no disruption or violence in connection with the bandh. “Additional arrangements will be made to ensure normality,” said a Kolkata Police officer on Sunday.