Stop-and-search cop operations on buses in Kolkata

KOLKATA: The traffic police have put up squads at major bus stops in the city to ensure that not more than 20 passengers are travelling on one bus. Lalbazar also asked its sergeants on bikes to check if any one stopped the buses midway.
Additional cops will be at some of the termini — like Jadavpur 8B bus stand and the one at Joka — during the peak hours so that social distancing norms are not violated there.
“We have advised WBTC drivers and conductors to shut the doors once the quota of 20 passengers get completed. However, on certain routes, like S-12 and S-24, where we found that there were problems in managing the crowd, we offloaded some passengers who had little reason to be on the buses. We are also ensuring that everyone is wearing is wearing masks,” a Lalbazar officer said.
Cops are also checking app cabs to ensure social distancing is maintained. “We did come across a few violations, but most passengers and drivers were keen to follow rules. The checking will continue when taxis start plying from Monday,” an officer from the Sealdah traffic guard said.
Meanwhile, general secretary of West Bengal Contract Carraige Owners’ and Operators’ Association Himadri Ganguly said that they had sought guidelines from the transport department and Kolkata Police to resume services with school and office buses.