Kolkata, Nov 16, 2025: Bus operators in West Bengal have welcomed the state government’s draft notification allowing stage carriage buses older than 15 years to continue operating in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), provided they possess valid bi-annual fitness certificates. The move, presented before the Calcutta High Court, is seen as a major relief for bus operators who have been grappling with operational and financial challenges amid stringent vehicle age restrictions.

The draft notification specifically states that “Stage carriage buses registered in Kolkata Metropolitan Area only shall be allowed to ply beyond 15 years of age from the day of initial registration,” provided they have up-to-date fitness certification. This effectively allows operators to continue running older buses, which had previously faced the threat of being decommissioned upon reaching the 15-year limit.

The matter came before the Calcutta High Court in a petition filed by a private bus owners’ association challenging the age limit restrictions. The court, after reviewing the draft notification submitted by the government, observed that the grievances of the petitioners had been adequately addressed and that there was no scope for further adjudication. Justice Rai Chattopadhyay, in disposing of the petition on Friday, also granted liberty to the state government to publish the draft notification at the earliest.

The response from bus operators was overwhelmingly positive. Tapan Banerjee, Secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate and also secretary of the Route 24 bus syndicate, welcomed the decision, stating that it ends a long-standing struggle that began in 2024. “This is to inform all members that the final judgment regarding the matter we have been fighting since 2024 has been delivered on Friday,” Banerjee said.

He added that the notification allows operators to continue completing necessary formalities such as certificates of fitness, pollution control certificates, permit renewals, and other vehicle-related documentation without any hindrance. “After 15 years, all documents can be renewed as usual,” Banerjee emphasized, highlighting the relief for operators whose buses had crossed the 15-year mark.

The issue initially arose during the pandemic, when many buses aged beyond 15 years could not be replaced due to financial constraints and disruptions in business. In October 2024, the Route 24 bus syndicate petitioned the Calcutta High Court, requesting a two-year grace period for 15-year-old buses that had exceeded the age limit, citing operational losses incurred during the pandemic. Another operator, the City Suburban Bus Service, moved the court on a similar plea, arguing that there should be no age restrictions for buses as long as they met safety and pollution norms.

According to Banerjee, the draft notification and the court’s approval provide clarity and legal backing for operators to continue running older buses without fear of penalties or legal complications. “This judgment has ended our long trouble, and now all permit and vehicle work can continue without any problems,” he said.

The notification is also significant from a logistical perspective. The number of buses in the KMA has declined dramatically over the years. Prior to 2009, approximately 12,000 buses were operating in the metropolitan area. By the end of 2025, this number has dwindled to around 3,000, according to bus syndicate sources. The reduction in fleet size has had serious implications for public transportation, affecting both operators and commuters. The extension of the operational age limit for buses is expected to partially alleviate the shortage, ensuring continuity of services in the metropolitan region.

The draft notification also underscores the state government’s recognition of the financial and operational pressures faced by bus operators, particularly in light of the pandemic, rising fuel costs, and maintenance expenses. By allowing older buses to continue plying with proper certification, authorities aim to strike a balance between public safety, environmental compliance, and the economic viability of transport operators.

The bi-annual fitness certification requirement ensures that safety standards are not compromised. Every bus over 15 years will need to undergo thorough inspections to verify mechanical integrity, roadworthiness, and adherence to pollution norms before being allowed to operate. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining safety and environmental standards while providing flexibility to the transport sector.

For operators like Banerjee and his colleagues, the court’s approval of the draft notification represents not just legal clarity but also a chance to stabilize their business operations. “As per the order and the clarification from the Transport Secretary, all members can now complete their certificate of fitness, pollution certificate, permit renewal, and other motor vehicle–related works as per existing rules, without any obstruction,” Banerjee said.

Industry experts note that the decision could have broader implications for public transport in West Bengal. With urban congestion and increased demand for commuter services, allowing older buses to continue operations could help bridge service gaps while new buses are gradually introduced into the fleet. It also provides operators more time to plan for fleet modernization without abruptly losing operational capacity.

The draft notification and the high court’s endorsement are expected to be formally implemented in the coming weeks. Bus operators are advised to ensure compliance with all fitness and pollution norms to avoid any complications. Authorities have assured that the process for renewing permits and certificates will proceed as usual, facilitating smooth operations for all registered buses in the KMA.

For passengers, the move should provide continuity of service, especially in areas where transport options are limited due to the shrinking number of buses. While newer buses continue to be added gradually, extending the life of older buses ensures that routes remain operational, and commuters do not face sudden disruptions.

In conclusion, the draft notification by the West Bengal government, coupled with the court’s approval, is being hailed as a practical and timely decision for the bus transport sector in Kolkata. It addresses long-standing operational challenges faced by bus operators, ensures compliance with safety and environmental norms, and provides a much-needed boost to public transportation services in the metropolitan region.