We don't have magic lamp in our hand: Madan Mitra

In a bid to improve transport condition in Calcutta, State Government is coming up with various new measures. In order to reduce traffic jams, the minister said, transport ministry has plans to bring tramlines closer to the footpath. High mast lights are being set up to ensure better illumination on road, while CCTV cameras are already in place. It is also keen on setting up more flyovers with multiple way outs and not just single exit points. The state government is also seriously considering about increasing its share of public transport vehicles which currently accounts to merely 8-9 per cent of the entire public transport vehicles.

"At least we need 30 per cent road spaces in a state, earlier it was 6 per cent and now after encroachment it is reduced to 4 per cent and we have to manage fifty lakh carriers every day with only 4 per cent available roadways, which we have received from the previous government. We don’t have magic lamps in our hand that within a span of 18 months every thing will be changed," said Madan Mitra. 

Road accidents are far less in Kolkata in comparison to other parts of the city said transport minister, Madan Mitra. He further said that the Government is very strict regarding overtaking and rash driving for both private as well as commercial vehicles, which are major cause of road accidents, in and around the city, in fact in the entire state. "I strongly feel throughout Bengal so long there will be commission system in private buses overtaking and rash driving cannot be avoided" he said while speaking about the prevailing commission system in private transport, he further added that Government is also providing counseling sessions along with yoga and meditation classes for drivers and helpers to help them cope with stress.