After 15 long years, the double-decker buses have returned to the boulevards of Kolkata
While several metropolitan cities in India have progressed with modern luxuries, Kolkata is one city which loves to live in the glory days of the past. It’s a metropolis where the expression old meets new turns to life. From ancient houses to shopping malls, Kolkata displays a perfect blend of old and new.
Before independence, Kolkata or Calcutta was the capital of India under the British raj. Hence, the place received several English elements over the century. From avenues carrying names of prominent British personalities to the elegant palace Victoria Memorial, Kolkata is an Indian city where one can still feel the ancient British aura. Apart from these elements, the British regime also presented another unique piece to the city of joy i.e. the double-decker buses.
The old age
The double-decker buses were introduced in Calcutta (now Kolkata) by the British authority in the year 1926. In those times, the double-decker buses were a critical part of the place as they proved to be a divine mode of transport in an age when the entire automobile world was in an embryonic stage.
Back in the day, the double-decker buses were painted in red-cherry colour and operated alongside the trams and yellow taxis. In 2005, the double-decker bus services were ceased, for they were terribly poor in terms of mileage and vented out too much pollution.
The new age
After 15 long years, the double-deckers have made a rebound in the city of joy. The buses have not arrived to serve daily commuters but for those who are looking to explore the city’s famous tourism sights. Launched by the state’s chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the two buses painted in blue-and-white were made available for Durga Pujo pandal hopping.
Now that the Durga Pujo season is over, the buses are being run to push the tourism of the city. A single bus can accommodate up to 51 passengers with 16 seats available in the upper deck of the bus. Furthermore, the upper deck of the bus has been kept as an open-roof design.
The buses are also furnished with security features such as CCTV cameras and panic buttons, along with destination boards to keep the tourist updated with trip information.
If you are organizing a trip to Kolkata, the iconic double-decker bus ride should be on your list!
