Kolkata August 09, 2026 : West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh has expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents in the state, stressing the need for stronger road safety measures and greater public awareness.
Speaking about road safety, West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said that despite the government spending crores of rupees on various safety measures, accidents have not declined significantly. He emphasised that public awareness is equally important and said parents must also take responsibility for preventing young and inexperienced drivers from driving recklessly.
BT Road Accident Under Investigation
Regarding the recent incident on BT Road, the minister said an investigation is underway to determine whether brake failure or another technical problem caused the accident. He stressed that strict action should be taken if negligence or violations are established.
West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh also said that in appropriate cases, the driving licence and the vehicle involved in an accident should be cancelled.
Crackdown on Totos on Highways
The minister also spoke about the movement of autos and e-rickshaws, commonly known as totos, on highways. According to West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh, autos generally have proper documentation, while many totos allegedly operate without proper registration.
He further alleged that toto registrations had, in the past, sometimes been carried out through party offices. West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said steps are now being taken to regulate toto operations and prevent them from entering highways, where their movement could create additional safety risks.
500 New Buses Before Durga Puja
In a major announcement for public transport, West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said 500 new buses are expected to be introduced before Durga Puja. Another 1,000 buses are planned before March, taking the total number of new buses to 1,500.
The expansion is aimed at improving public transport services and strengthening connectivity across West Bengal.
The minister also addressed complaints about government buses allegedly failing to stop at designated bus stops. He said only a limited number of such incidents have been reported so far, and the transport department is monitoring the situation closely.
Double-Decker Buses May Return
On the possibility of introducing double-decker buses, West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said there is currently no major plan to introduce them. However, discussions may be held with the tourism department to explore the possibility of operating such buses during the winter season, taking inspiration from London.
Minister Speaks on Police Bribery Allegations
West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh also commented on allegations that police personnel accept bribes in connection with road-related cases. He stressed that strict action should be taken wherever wrongdoing is established and that accident cases must be dealt with seriously.
“Wait, Nirmal Ghosh Will Be Arrested”
Meanwhile, West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh was also asked about the Abhaya case, with two years having passed since the incident. The victim's family has demanded the arrest of Nirmal Ghosh, the chairman.
Responding to the demand, Arjun Singh said, “Wait, Nirmal Ghosh will be arrested.”
His statement comes as the victim's family continues to seek further action in the case.
