WB govt to control losses of state transport units

West Bengal government has decided to rationalise staff strength, decrease expenditure and introduce new technology to bring loss-making state transport undertakings out of the red.
"We had a meeting with road transport undertakings yesterday where it was decided that they (the state transport undertakings) will decrease their expenditure, reduce staff strength by offering VRS schemes to employees. We want to reduce losses," Transport Minister Madan Mitra told reporters here today.
They would also replace old technology with new ones to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, he said.
Referring to Kolkata, he said to transform the city's public transport system into a modern, vibrant and effective one, Calcutta State Transport Corporation has increased its fleet of new AC Volvo buses to 62 in 19 routes under the JNNURM project.

Asked about the demand for bus fare hike by bus operators and owners, the minister said nothing has been decided yet.
Mitra said introduction of a unique 'She Cabs' service was being planned for women passengers in the city.

"Typically women travel either with other women or their kids. This special taxi service with seating for 3-4 people will be available in various sectors of Kolkata in peak hours and in reasonable fares. We are trying to work out a model for this," the minister said.
The government was also planning to introduce double-decker buses which will have an open-air restaurant on the top.

Other planned new offerings include air-conditioned trams, water taxis, speed boats to improve the inland waterways transport infrastructure in the city.