Calcutta is the premier metropolis of Eastern India with population of 12.07 million in 1991. The city has a meagre 4.2% road space and its suburban system does not connect work centres. The various public transport modes in Calcutta include a Suburban Rail System, one North-South corridor of Metro System, the various types of buses being operated by different Government and private agencies, a limited ferry system for trans-river movement and shared auto rickshaws with no co-ordination amongst different transport modes, and they are not functioning as per the roles defined for them in urban transport system planning. In view of the growing traffic demand and lack of road space in urban centres, a public transport policy for urban areas has been suggested. Specific proposals for transport network and system development along with necessary integration facilities have been formulated to meet the expected public transport demand.
Abstract