West Bengal Private Bus Operators Demand Grievance Cell for VLT Device Issues

Private bus operators in West Bengal have requested the Transport department to create a grievance cell for issues related to Vehicle Location Tracking devices. They allege high maintenance costs and inadequate infrastructure, urging the government to intervene and provide toll-free grievance numbers.

In a united appeal, all five private bus operators' associations in West Bengal have urged the Transport department to establish a grievance cell to address issues surrounding Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices installed in commercial vehicles.

The 'Gana Paribahan Bachao Committee' (Save Public Transport Committee) highlighted grievances in a letter to Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty, noting that while operators were assured the maintenance cost for VLT devices would be between Rs 1,000-1,200, companies are charging up to three times more.

The committee, which encompasses several bus syndicates, expressed concerns about the mandatory installation of VLT devices, stating that the high costs and lack of proper infrastructure by the transport department and police have burdened operators. They urged authorities to intervene and consider reducing the renewal rates or exempting older vehicles from this requirement.

(With inputs from agencies.)