Kolkata, February 12 In an effort to modernize public transport and reduce urban pollution, the West Bengal Transport Department has added 25 new air-conditioned CNG buses to the city's fleet, a senior official said on Thursday.
The state plans to increase the number of AC CNG buses to 200 by the end of March as part of its initiative to phase out older vehicles and promote cleaner fuel alternatives, the official told PTI.
The newly introduced buses are operating along 21 designated green corridors connecting Kolkata with adjoining districts such as Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. Some of the services also cover the New Town–Sector V IT hub.
Among the prominent routes are Kudghat-Barasat, Joka-Barasat, Tollygunge-Habra-via Airport, and Howrah-Baruipur.
The expansion of the CNG fleet is aimed at reducing emission levels while ensuring improved passenger comfort through air-conditioned services on high-demand routes, the official said.
The state has also approved the installation of 84 electric vehicle chargers at 19 bus depots to facilitate a gradual shift towards environmentally sustainable transport systems.