North Bengal To Start Women Special Buses With CCTVs And Tracking Devices

The state of West Bengal is presently facing massive protests due to the RG Kar rape and murder case. In order to address the issue of women’s safety, the government of the state has taken a special initiative. It has taken the decision to run special buses for women under the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC). The initiative was reportedly taken to ensure safety for the women passengers, especially those who use the bus daily to travel to their workplace. According to media reports, this initiative will be initially started in three routes Siliguri to Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar to Alipurduar and Cooch Behar to Dinhata, as stated by NBSTC Chairman Pratim Roy. “We will introduce the ladies’ special buses ahead of the Durga Puja. These buses will run in Siliguri-Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar-Alipurduar and Cooch Behar-Dinhata routes and will be operated by women staff. In due course, the service will be introduced in some other routes,” he said.

The NBSTC official further said that keeping in mind the safety of women, they have taken the decision to install CCTVs in all buses travelling from North Bengal to Kolkata and Assam. This initiative will also be taken for the buses travelling to Nepal.

Speaking on this development, a woman passenger said, “I earlier heard that these special buses were started in Kolkata. But now after knowing that such women’s special buses will be available in North Bengal also, I am very happy. In such a time having special buses for women is very Important.”

The official added that the special initiative named ‘Sobujer Pothe Hatchani’ will also remain open even during the festival season. This initiative was kicked off in 2008-09. Under this, the organisation organises a packaged tour that covers the mountains, rivers, and forests of North Bengal. The package covers everything from luxurious hotels to quality food.

NBSTC Chairman Pratim Roy also mentioned that around 12 buses will be added to the Kolkata-Siliguri and Cooch Behar-Calcutta routes. The new buses will have 35 seats, inbuilt CCTV cameras and Tracking devices.