Kolkata: Autos has begun to stick to almost 200 routes with the resumption of metro services after almost two months.
Automatic services on these routes that provide commuters with the last mile connectivity depend on metro services for passengers.
A smile has returned to the face of the car operator that counts for days in despair for the resumption of metro services.
“We are in a hand-to-mouth situation when restrictions on the metro longer than we expected,” said Arup Das, car operator Kudghat-Karunamoyee route.
Many commuters left in Lurch when autos are not available.
“I used to take a car to reach my house from my office in just seven minutes.
But the withdrawal of car services caused a big discomfort for me.
I have to take a pedicab by spending double the cost of the car,” said Smritikana Ganguly, a commercial artist with advertising agency in Tollygunge.
He is a daily commuter from the Karunamoyee-Kudghat car route.
Because auto provides the biggest last military connectivity for Metro commuter in Kolkata, there are about six to 12 automatic routes from one station in a different direction.
So, 26 stations in the South Metro corridor, which stretches from new Garars to Daskhineswar, has more than 200 car routes.
“Some cars began to plying but there was no metro operation.
Autos did not get enough passengers to make sustainable services.
So, many cars on different routes have suspended operations even after continuing service,” said the chakraborty, president inttuc in Kolkata.
There are several routes that connect two metro-alignments such as Central Avenue-Kadadara Auto Service that connoes Phooolan Station from the East Metro with the South Metro MG Metro Road Station.
With services from both metro alignment are suspended, only five percent of autos can ply, said Mohammed Akram, a member committee member.
The number of automatic routes increases while several routes are resourced back with the Metro service extension.
For example, in February, Metro service was extended to Dakshineswar from Noapara, which added two more stations such as Baranagar and Daskhineswar, from where there were almost 24 routes.
“In the absence of a bus, this Autos connects us to the city’s life lane.
They are reliable, pocket friendly and easy parking near the metro station.
Because automatic routes are designed based on passenger demands, their usefulness is very large.
If the government regulates it well, its usefulness will increase , “said Arindam Base, a transport economist.