Kolkata, July 10 -- The West Bengal Transport Department will introduce a toll-free helpline for commuters to register their complaints over the implementation of the state's free bus travel scheme for women, Transport Minister Arjun Singh announced on Friday.
Speaking after inaugurating 10 modern gangway-cum-pontoon jetties at Metiabruz Ferry Ghat, Singh said the department had received complaints that buses were not stopping to pick up women passengers in some cases.
"We have received some complaints and are addressing them. We are introducing a call centre with a toll-free number where people can register complaints," he said.
Singh said he had asked the Transport Secretary to set up the helpline so complaints could be officially recorded and addressed promptly. "People post on social media, but if they call the toll-free number, the complaints will be recorded and action can be taken," he added.
The minister inaugurated 10 gangway-cum-pontoon jetties developed under the World Bank-assisted West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project (WBIWTLSDP). The facilities have come up at Chandni, Jutemill, Metiabruz, Pujali, Bally, Baranagar, Hooghly, Babaji, Kanaidewan and Kukrahati. According to the Transport Department, the jetties are equipped with floating pontoons, covered gangways, passenger waiting areas, anti-skid walkways, drinking water facilities, bio-toilets, CCTV surveillance and solar-powered lighting.
They have also been designed to improve accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and support the introduction of hybrid-electric ferry vessels.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.