Double-decker buses, which were an ubiquitous sight on the streets of Kolkata once upon a time, are likely to return to the city.

The state government is considering to reintroduce the double-decker buses that were phased out by the Left Front government in the mid- 90s.

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Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday said in the state Assembly that the department was studying a feasibility report in this regard.

“We are considering to run four to five double-decker buses within the city. A secretary of our department visited London last month to study the double-decker buses that are run there and has submitted a report. The report is being studied,” said Mr Adhikari.

Appreciating the move, Speaker Biman Banerjee said that many childhood memories are associated with the double-decker buses. Sources in the department said that the idea of plying double-decker buses was conceived by chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her London trip.

Miss Banerjee wants buses akin to those plying in London to be introduced on the streets of Kolkata. Mr Adhikari later said that the state government is yet to decide as to whether the double-decker buses would be used for tourism purposes, like those of London, or not. The routes too are yet to be finalised, he added.

Double-decker buses were once an intrinsic part of the city and re-introducing them would be a step towards fulfilling Miss Banerjee’s dream to turn the city into London. Introduced by the British in 1926, the first double-decker bus plied from Shyambazar to Kalighat.

The erstwhile Left Front government started phasing them out in the mid-90s as they were found non-viable and unsuitable for city traffic.

The minister further announced the introduction of shuttle night bus services in Durgapur, Haldia, Kharagpur, Asansol and Jalpaiguri- Siliguri from the current financial year. He said the 27 night buses that are plying in Kolkata have been found to be profitable as they earn an average of Rs 1,500 to 2,000 between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. per day.

This apart, 22 new buses would be introduced on 15 new routes in Junglemahal in August. “Till 2011 there were 2500 buses and presently the figure is 3200. Several buses that plied during Left Front government’s regime were replaced. A total of 1200 new buses and 600 new routes were introduced in the last seven years,” he added.

Adhikari also announced the introduction of helicopter services from Kolkata to Tarapith and Purulia. The eight-seater helicopters would fly from Behala Flying Club to Tarapith and back as well as to Purulia and back. Presently, helicopter services are available to Sagar, Digha, Santiniketan and Malda.