May 26, 2014
WB CM flags off a fleet of new Volvo buses for Kolkata and suburbs
In a huge boost to the transport sector in the State, WB CM today flagged off a fleet of 30 new AC Volvo buses. During her speech, Ms. Mamata Banerjee said in the near future more buses and taxis will be added to the existing fleet and that would boost the transport sector. She also laid stress on water and air transport. She said infrastructure for helicopter services as well as ferries will be developed.
Excerpts from the Chief Minister`s speech:
I welcome you all. Today we have two programmes to paytribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam on his birth anniversary. We dedicate thisprogramme to him on this occasion.
Thirty new AC buses will ply on the roads of Kolkata fromtoday. Around 800 new buses will be included into the fleet of government buseswithin a few more months. We are aware of the shortage in the number of busescompared to the number of commuters. This move will help people in Kolkata andrural Bengal.
We want more people to come forward invest in the transport sectorin the state. We want to develop the water-transport as well. 6 new ferries have already been included in thefleet. We are also focussing on air-transport service including helicopterservice.
We have very little money. We are trying to operate ourprojects at low cost, with positive thinking and constructive attitude. We have given licenses to 4000 AC taxis. Wehave to increase the number to 10000. We must serve Kolkata and adjacent areas.It must be remembered that we are working for the public and we should servethem well.
