Mukesh Sharma
Kalimpong July 29, 2014:

4 out of 5 Buses running under North Bengal State Transport Corporation has been closed from last one month just because of lack of Conductor.Kalimpong has one each bus for NJP , Panitanki and Siliguri and two for Jaigaon, but due to lack of conductor from this month buses going towards NJP, Panitanki, Jaigaon has not been running which is creating massive problem among the passenger specially poor.The problem has started from July 1st when about 5 conductor has taken retirements and some voluntary retirements added depot in-charge Sachin Khati when asked about the service of the bus.

NBSTC provide the minimum fare to the passenger which is helpful for the down trodden people who cannot afford to travel in small vehicle. A passenger have to pay Rs.70 in state run buses where as the fare in other private bus is Rs80 and small vehicle Rs110-120. Apart people who were traveling to Duars area to are also in problem. Kalimpong Depot had a bus till Jaigaon but it is also closed along with NJP and  Panitanki due to lack of conductor.

Meanwhile the danger is hanging to the sole bus which is running till siliguri every morning and evening.The said bus conductor has also applied for a leave after which it is certain that the same will also be closed.

The Depo has already approached its higher authority and even MLA about the problem said Khati.

When contacted to MLA Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri He told the he is going to kolkatta today and soon he will raise this issue with the chairman of NBSTC who happens to be Gautam Dev,the North Bengal Development Minister.

Meanwhile Managing Director of NBSTC Suban Chandra Roy when contacted told that"This is not only the problem with Kalimpong but many area is facing the issue of Conductors and Drivers voluntary Retirement. He informed that a new recruitment is under process and which will be finalize soon hinting before Pujas.