North Bengal to Launch Women-Only Buses Equipped with CCTVs and Tracking Devices
Amid significant protests in West bengal related to the RG Kar rape and murder case, the state government is taking steps to enhance women's safety. They have decided to introduce special buses for women under the North bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC). This measure aims to ensure the safety of female passengers, particularly those who commute daily for work. According to reports, the new service will initially operate on three routes: siliguri to Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar to Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar to Dinhata, as announced by NBSTC Chairman Pratim Roy. He mentioned, "We plan to launch these women-only buses before Durga Puja. These buses will operate on the Siliguri-Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar-Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar-Dinhata routes, staffed entirely by women. We will also expand this service to other routes in the future."
The NBSTC has also decided to install CCTVs in all buses traveling from North bengal to kolkata and Assam, as well as those heading to Nepal, to further enhance security. A female passenger expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, stating, "I had heard that women-only buses were introduced in kolkata, but I’m thrilled to see them coming to North bengal as well. In these times, having dedicated buses for women is crucial."
Additionally, the special program ‘Sobujer Pothe Hatchani,’ which began in 2008-09, will continue during the festival season. This program offers packaged tours that include visits to North Bengal’s mountains, rivers, and forests, along with accommodations and dining options.
NBSTC Chairman Pratim Roy also announced that approximately 12 new buses will be added to the Kolkata-Siliguri and Cooch Behar-Calcutta routes. These new buses will feature 35 seats and be equipped with CCTV cameras and tracking devices.