Overview
Kolkata State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Kolkata Suburban Transport Development Corporation (KSTDC) announced a fleet of 12 dedicated tour packages for the upcoming Hasanamba Temple festival. The packages, aimed at easing travel for pilgrims and tourists, cover departures from major West Bengal hubs to the Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha where the temple festival will take place.
Key Developments
- Number of Packages: 12 separate tour routes are now available.
- Departure Points: Buses will depart from major cities and districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Durgapur, Asansol, and Siliguri.
- Schedule: Services will run daily from the start of the festival until the final day, with multiple departures each day.
- Pricing: Fares vary by route and class, ranging from INR 200 to INR 1,200 for a one‑way ticket.
- Capacity: KSRTC and KSTDC have deployed a combined fleet of 120 buses, each with a 45‑seat capacity.
- Private Operators: All private tour operators that usually run the route are currently at full booking, prompting the public transport bodies to step in.
Background & Context
The Hasanamba Temple, located in the Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha, hosts a major annual festival that draws hundreds of thousands of devotees from across West Bengal and neighbouring states. Previously, the influx of pilgrims strained local transport infrastructure, leading to overcrowded private buses and long waiting times at bus terminals.
Impact & Analysis
- For Travelers: The new packages provide a reliable, government‑backed alternative to private operators, improving safety and punctuality.
- For Tourism: Increased accessibility is expected to boost local tourism revenue and create additional employment opportunities in the festival area.
- For Operators: Private companies see a decline in ticket sales for this period, potentially affecting their revenue streams.
- For the State: The move underscores the West Bengal government’s commitment to facilitating pilgrim travel and managing large‑scale events.
What Happens Next
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the KSRTC and KSTDC websites or at authorized ticket counters.
- Monitoring: The transport departments will monitor passenger load and adjust bus frequency if needed.
- Post‑Festival: After the festival, the government may review the program’s success and consider permanent additions to the bus roster.
