Thursday, July 16


KOLKATA: Travellers struggling to secure train reservations or looking for an alternative to expensive airfares can now opt for luxury buses from Kolkata to destinations as far as Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.Bengal transport minister Arjun Singh on Wednesday flagged off a new fleet of long-distance super-luxury interstate buses from the Karunamoyee Bus Terminus, launching services to Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Varanasi and Puri. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya was present at the inauguration.The govt said the initiative aims to provide a comfortable and affordable alternative to rail and air travel. The coaches will operate daily, with departures scheduled throughout the week.

Fare is dynamic and may vary on the basis of demand and type of vehicle.

“The govt will facilitate both intra-state and interstate transport. Those who comply with the rules will receive every support to operate their services,” Singh said. “Permits will not be an issue. We want frequent, high-end bus services connecting Kolkata with major state capitals,” he told TOI.Bhattacharya said the new services reflected the govt’s focus on improving connectivity. “The service will reduce pressure on the railways. The new govt wants to shift Bengal from immobility to mobility,” he said, adding that several railway projects had remained stalled in the past.The buses have been positioned as a premium travel option, offering amenities comparable to first-class AC train coaches. Passengers will get bio-toilets, individual entertainment screens, complimentary pillows and bed linen, along with free bottled water, tea, coffee and light snacks during the journey.According to Arun Ghosh, MD of Shyamoli Paribahan, the coaches are designed to offer airline-like comfort while keeping fares broadly comparable with AC three-tier train tickets.The govt expects the services to attract both business and leisure travellers, particularly during periods of high railway demand.



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