Kolkata, 04 September (H.S.): The West Bengal Transport Department has taken strict measures following complaints that women passengers were allegedly being denied boarding on government buses. Transport Minister Arjun Singh said a control room has been launched to ensure the prompt resolution of such complaints. The control room will remain operational during the working hours of the state transport undertakings.

According to information released by the department on Friday, women passengers can lodge complaints by calling the designated helpline numbers. Based on the complaints received, action will be taken against the drivers and conductors concerned.

The complaints surfaced after the state government introduced free travel for women on government buses. Passengers alleged that some buses were not stopping at designated stops and, in some cases, were allegedly moving ahead when a large number of women passengers were waiting to board.

The helpline numbers issued for women passengers include 7699993930 for the South Bengal State Transport Corporation; 8697733391 and 8697733392 for the Calcutta Tramways Company; 033-22360461 and 033-22360463 for the Calcutta Surface Transport Corporation; and 9432597098 for the West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation.

The Transport Minister also said that around 3,62,622 vehicles in the state have outstanding road tax amounting to approximately Rs 1,589 crore. A special drive will be undertaken to identify such vehicles and recover the outstanding dues.

Singh also highlighted complaints regarding the illegal operation of totos (e-rickshaws) and the alleged involvement of minors in driving them.

The department said it is working on a plan to remove illegally operating totos in order to reduce accidents and introduce regulated e-rickshaws in their place.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey