Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Bengal Transport Minister Announces Crackdown, Adds 1,000 New Buses
Bengal plans to stop some vehicles from carrying passengers without permission.
The transport minister said motor vans will be banned after drivers receive time to make other plans.
E-rickshaws will not be allowed on major roads.
They will have to use smaller roads and lanes instead.
The government wants to give official permits to some autos and Magic vehicles.
It also plans to add many new buses for passengers.
Between 500 and 600 buses may arrive before Durga Puja.
The state wants 1,000 new buses on its roads by March next year.
The minister also warned operators not to pay money to leaders, unions or musclemen.
Transport Minister Arjun Singh announced a crackdown on motor vans and other unauthorised public vehicles.
E-rickshaws will be restricted to lanes and smaller connecting roads, following Supreme Court guidelines.
Unauthorised motor-van operators will receive one to one-and-a-half months to make alternative arrangements.
The government plans to issue permits for 100 autos and 100 Magic vehicles in each Assembly constituency.
The state aims to add 500 to 600 buses before Durga Puja and 1,000 buses by March next year.
- Who
- Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh and the state government.
- What
- A crackdown on unauthorised public transport, new vehicle permits and plans to add 1,000 buses.
- When
- Announced Thursday; 500 to 600 buses are expected before Durga Puja, with 1,000 targeted by March next year.
- Where
- Bengal, with the announcement made at a job fair in Kalyani.
- Why
- To regulate illegal public transport, address pollution concerns and strengthen passenger services.
- Announced by
- Transport Minister Arjun Singh
- Motor-van deadline
- Drivers will receive one to one-and-a-half months to make alternative arrangements.
- E-rickshaw restrictions
- E-rickshaws will be confined to lanes and smaller connecting roads rather than major roads.
- Planned permits
- 100 autos and 100 Magic vehicles in each Assembly constituency.
- Buses before Durga Puja
- 500 to 600 new buses are expected.
- Overall bus target
- 1,000 new buses across the state by March next year.
- Stated pollution concern
- The minister cited motor vans' contribution to noise and air pollution.