Archive · 24 May 2025
Kolkata Buses Off Road After Confrontation with Autos
Imagine buses and autos fighting over where they can drive.
In Kolkata, some buses changed their routes a few years ago, but the autos want them to go back to the old roads.
On Friday, auto drivers blocked the buses, making it hard for people to get to work.
Passengers had to pay more for different rides.
The bus and auto drivers are going to talk about it soon to try and solve the problem.
Bus services on routes 39 and 39A/2 in Kolkata were disrupted due to a clash with auto-rickshaw drivers.
The conflict stemmed from a dispute over bus route deviations from their original permits.
Auto drivers blocked buses, demanding they stick to original routes via Tiljala and Bhojerhat.
The confrontation caused significant disruption, stranding commuters and increasing their travel costs.
A meeting is scheduled to discuss the issue at the transport directorate on Monday.
- Who
- Auto-rickshaw drivers affiliated with the South Kolkata District Auto Driver Operators Union and bus operators.
- What
- Bus services on routes 39 and 39A/2 were disrupted due to a clash between bus and auto-rickshaw operators.
- When
- Friday morning, with the confrontation beginning around 9:45 am.
- Where
- Kolkata, specifically near Lohapool on Rifle Range Road.
- Why
- A dispute over bus route deviations led to the standoff.
Auto Operators
Bus Operators
Route Deviations
Auto Operators
The buses have been deviating from their original routes for the last five years.
Bus Operators
The bus operators say that the original route is not feasible and get around 50% of their passengers from the Rifle Range Road and Park Circus Connector.
- Affected Routes
- 39, 39A/2
- Location
- Lohapool, Kolkata
- Cause
- Route deviation dispute
- Involved Parties
- Bus and auto-rickshaw operators
- Meeting Scheduled
- Monday at transport directorate
- Auto routes
- 450 autos ply from Lohapool to Orient Row near Beniapukur and Esplanade