Kolkata launches smart mobility cards, app

KOLKATA: West Bengal (WB) government introduces an integrated Smart Card, the ‘West Bengal Transport Card’ and ‘Pathadisha’ application for easy commutation in Kolkata city. The card can be used to swipe and pay fares across various transport modes in the city which include state-run buses, ferries and trams.

Launching the ‘Pathadisha’ mobile app, West Bengal Transport Minister, Subhendu Adhikary said that the launch was a part of the initiative of the Vision 2016 of Transport department to provide smart, transparent and simple way of commuting. Like Ola and Uber app-based cab services, where a commuter can verify the position of an approaching vehicle, ‘Pathadisha’ will from now on enable a commuter to see location of a bus, its next destination, the availability of seats, how much crowded it is inside – in short everything, the minister said. Being sold at five major locations in the city, currently, the card service is limited to 700 buses which will be increased by addition of 300 buses in a few months.

For women safety in the buses, transport department has started installing GPS, CCTV cameras and a panic button in case of any emergencies. The app also facilitates ‘accident management’ by sending alerts to the police, fire stations and hospitals during any mishaps.

The project, having World Bank and a Korean Green Growth fund as development partners, will also be extended from West Bengal Transport Corporation-run buses in city to two other state undertakings in next six months and will cover the entire state, the minister said. The minister further said with the guidance of IIT-kharagpur drivers of state undertaking will be trained to fulfill the WB CM’s safe drive, save life campaign.