kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, August 1: Night-time bus services are set to resume once again in Kolkata and its adjoining suburban areas, providing relief to passengers who need to travel during late hours. On Saturday, Transport Minister Arjun Singh announced that the service will initially connect important locations in the city with key destinations in the suburbs. The decision has been taken considering the convenience and safety of people who depend on public transport during night hours.

The initiative aims to improve late-night connectivity for commuters, especially those who travel due to work commitments, emergency requirements, or other essential purposes. The transport department is planning to operate buses between major points of Kolkata and important suburban areas so that passengers can access reliable public transport even after regular service hours.

Night bus services had earlier been introduced in Kolkata and suburban regions under the initiative of former Transport Minister Subhash Chakraborty. However, the service was discontinued after operating for some time. After a long gap, the government has once again taken steps to restart the facility in view of the growing need for night-time transportation.

Announcing the decision, Transport Minister Arjun Singh said that the new service would particularly benefit people who have to commute at night for professional and personal reasons. He stated that the plan is to create better connectivity between important city areas and suburban locations through dedicated night bus routes.

The minister, however, clarified that the detailed schedule regarding the exact routes, number of buses, and timings will be announced later. The transport department is currently working on finalising operational details before officially launching the service.

The Transport Minister also addressed concerns regarding the poor condition of roads in several parts of Kolkata and the suburbs. He said that steps would be taken to repair roads that are currently in bad condition and that necessary measures will be initiated on a priority basis.

According to him, improving road conditions is essential for maintaining smooth traffic movement and ensuring that public transport services can operate without disruption. The government is focusing on resolving road-related issues quickly so that commuters do not face difficulties while travelling.

The decision to restart night bus services has been welcomed by many sections of commuters, particularly office workers, late-night employees, students, and people who frequently need to travel during non-peak hours. Transport officials believe that the service will strengthen public transportation facilities and provide a safer and more convenient travel option for passengers.

With Kolkata continuing to expand as a major metropolitan centre and suburban connectivity becoming increasingly important, the revival of night bus services is expected to play a significant role in improving mobility across the city and surrounding areas. The final route map and service details will be released after completion of the necessary planning process by the transport department.