While a confirmed date for closure of the bridge is yet to be communicated, the reason for the postponement is also unknown to the bus operators.
Photo: SNS
The closure of Tallah Bridge to traffic has been postponed for an indefinite period. Earlier, no traffic was scheduled to pass over the bridge after 12 a.m. tonight. Uncertainties over the demolition of the bridge and its closure for traffic have grown following the decision. While a confirmed date for closure of the bridge is yet to be to be communicated, the reason for the postponement is also unknown to the bus operators.
“Once a decision on the diversion is done, we will communicate it to the bus operators,” said an official of the transport department. “The Public Works department of the state is coordinating on the matter and the implementation is expected to be done soon,” he added. Had the bridge been closed for vehicular movement from tonight, the bus operators would get the notification of the diversion of the routes in a day or two.
However, the last moment decision, without any confirmation of the date of closure or reasons for postponement, has caused apprehensions among the bus operators, who are said to be reeling under losses. The new route that was finalised in the last meeting had brought rays of hopes for better income among the bus owners, who were considering plans of a hike in fares after the implementation of the diversion route.
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“The new route is expected to help in decongestion of the traffic movement in the area,” said Pradip Narayan Bose of North Kolkata Bus Mini Bus Owners’ Association. “The implementation of the new route would be helpful not only for us, but also for the commuters. We are already reeling under huge losses and running our buses delving into our own pockets. It is very difficult for us to operate in such uncertain conditions and to continue to work under losses. They can demolish the bridge later but can start the diversion now. We will wait for two more days, if there is no decision taken on the finalised route, we will submit a representation to the state transport department and will be forced to pull our buses from service,” he added.
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