Archive · 16 Nov 2025
West Bengal Allows Older Buses to Ply in Kolkata with Fitness Checks
Old buses in Kolkata were not allowed to be used after 15 years, which made bus drivers worried because many of them had older buses.
They asked the court for help.
The government created a new rule that says these older buses can still be used if they are checked twice a year to make sure they are safe and not polluting too much.
The court agreed with this new rule, so the bus drivers are happy they can keep using their buses.
This rule helps them continue their work even with fewer buses on the road.
West Bengal government's draft notification permits stage carriage buses over 15 years old to operate in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA).
These older buses must undergo bi-annual fitness and pollution checks to be allowed to ply.
The Calcutta High Court disposed of a petition filed by bus operators, accepting the state's draft notification.
Bus operators welcomed the development, stating it resolves long-standing issues and allows for permit renewals.
The number of buses in KMA has significantly decreased from approximately 12,000 in 2009 to an estimated 3,000 by the end of 2025.
- Who
- West Bengal government and private bus operators
- What
- A draft notification allowing stage carriage buses registered in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) to operate beyond 15 years of age, subject to bi-annual fitness and pollution checks.
- When
- The court disposed of the petition on Friday; bus operators welcomed the development.
- Where
- Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA)
- Why
- To address the concerns of bus operators regarding age limits on buses, which were affecting permit renewals and operations, and to allow continued services amid a shrinking fleet.
Bus Operators
West Bengal Government/Calcutta High Court
Age Limit for Buses
Bus Operators
Sought removal or extension of the 15-year age limit for buses, citing pandemic losses and the need to continue operations.
West Bengal Government/Calcutta High Court
Issued a draft notification allowing buses over 15 years old to operate in KMA if they pass bi-annual fitness and pollution checks.
- Location
- Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA)
- Regulation
- Stage carriage buses over 15 years old allowed to operate with bi-annual fitness and pollution checks.
- Court Action
- Calcutta High Court disposed of a petition by bus operators based on the draft notification.
- Operator Groups Involved
- Joint Council of Bus Syndicate, City Suburban Bus Service, Route 24 operators
- Estimated Bus Numbers (Pre-2009)
- 12,000
- Estimated Bus Numbers (End of 2025)
- 3,000
