The state transport department is all set to modernize the transport system for the convenience of passengers. The Ministry of Transport took a series of decisions for this. Transport Minister Firhad Hakim announced all these plans by attending an event today. Starting from unified smart card, installation of CCTV in tram buses, introduction of more battery-powered buses to control environmental pollution, establishment of national and international checkposts, etc., Minister Firhad Hakim informed about the plans to deal with the problem of overloading.
The minister said that unified smart card will be introduced for the convenience of passengers to bring the state transport system under one umbrella.. Through this prepaid smart card will be handed over to the passengers. With this prepaid smart card, passengers can travel easily in all the services of the state transport department. He said that talks are going on with the metro whether this card can be provided in the metro rail as well or not. Apart from this, he said that the matter will be discussed with the Indian Railways as well.
The minister also said that installation of CCTV in every government bus, tram and launch is being made mandatory. Moreover, the state has decided to waive the registration fee if private bus owners ply battery-powered buses on the roads. It may be noted that the state government had earlier announced the introduction of more electric buses. Firhad said that a total of 1180 battery operated buses will be brought to Kolkata. Out of this 500 AC and 680 non AC buses are being brought. The Tata Company will hand over these buses to the State Transport Corporation through Convergence Energy Services Limited in the first phase.
Besides, several new RTO offices and national and international checkposts will be set up in the state in the coming days, the minister said. Firhad Hakim said that the problem of overloading was very high at one time. But now it is under control.