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{{short description|Public transport operator in Kolkata, India}}
{{For|reading about previous operators|Calcutta State Transport Corporation|Calcutta Tramways Company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date = June 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = West Bengal Transport Corporation
| logo = Logo-WBTCBig.png
| logo_size = 150px
| logo_caption = Logo of WBTC
| image =
| image_size = 300px
| image_caption =
| native_name_lang = bn
| former_name =
| type = Public transport
| predecessor = *STS (1948–1960)
*CSTC (1960–2017)
*CTC (1880–2017)
*WBSTC (1991–2017)
| successor =
| founded = {{start date|2016|06|8|df=yes}}
| location = Paribahan Bhavan – I, 12, R.N. Mukherjee Road
| location_city = Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
| location_country = India
| area_served = [[Kolkata]]<br>[[West Bengal]]
| services = * Bus Service
* Tram Service
* Ferry Service
| owner = [[Ministry of Transport (West Bengal)|Ministry of Transport]], [[Government of West Bengal]]
| website = {{URL|https://wbtconline.in}}
}}

'''West Bengal Transport Corporation''' ('''WBTC''')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wbtconline.in/about-us|title=West Bengal Transport Corporation|publisher=WBTC|access-date=10 September 2025}}</ref> is a [[West Bengal]] [[state government]] [[Public Sector Undertaking|undertaken]] [[corporation]] which plies buses, trams and ferries in the state. It was formed by merging existing state transport agencies, namely the [[Calcutta State Transport Corporation]] (CSTC), the [[Calcutta Tramways Company]] (CTC) and the West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/wb-govt-merges-three-transport-corporations/articleshow/52660416.cms|title=WB govt merges three transport corporations|publisher=The Times of India|date=8 June 2016|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/state-transport-gets-biswa-bangla-stamp/articleshow/55861803.cms|title=West Bengal transport gets Biswa Bangla stamp|publisher=The Times of India|date=8 December 2016|access-date=7 September 2025}}</ref>

==History==

Bus services in [[Kolkata]] (then known as Calcutta) started in the year 1920 but were unorganised. The organized road transport in the public sector was given shape on 31 July 1948 with the creation of State Transport Services under the Directorate of Transportation, Government of West Bengal. It started operations on 6 intracity routes, with a fleet of 25 buses. The diesel era started with the addition of two double-decker buses in 1949–50. Then the STS became self-sustainable with the establishment of depots and terminals. Gradually, the structure of State Transport Services turned into a full-fledged organization with spreading its network of operation to the entire city (mainly covering Calcutta Improvement Trust area). After about 12 years, State Transport Services became [[Calcutta State Transport Corporation|CSTC (Calcutta State Transport Corporation)]] on 15 June 1960.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/try-this/social/calcutta-state-transport-corporation-completes-75-years/cid/1956111|title=Kolkata's CSTC celebrates 75 historic years with decorated fleet|publisher=The Telegraph|date=2 August 2023|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> This was the start of a new era for the public transport system in the city and state. Up to 1966–67, CSTC nationalized about 90% of the city's routes. After that CSTC could not sustain the increased passenger demands in the city mainly due to financial constraints. Since then the Government decided to allow private buses to operate on CSTC routes and areas. It also started operating on long-distance routes, starting with Calcutta{{En dash}}Digha in 1968. Over the years, with rapid expansions of long-distance operations, CSTC connected remote rural areas of the state with Kolkata. Soon, it covered almost the whole state and connected the district headquarter towns. In 1989, a new body was formed, named West Bengal Inland Water Transport Corporation Limited, for the operation of vessel services. It started with ferry services on the [[Hooghly River]] and the [[Muri Ganga River|Muri Ganga]] rivers. Later this was merged into West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation, which provided bus services in Kolkata and different areas of South 24-Parganas, along with the CSTC. In June 2016, WBSTC, CTC and CSTC were merged into one with operational name WBTC. Till the merger, WBSTC had a fleet of 233 (Volvo AC, TATA Marco Polo AC and non-AC) buses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://transport.wb.gov.in/about-us/department-at-a-glance/corporation/wbtc/wbstc/|title=transport dept. wb|access-date=25 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620123858/http://transport.wb.gov.in/about-us/department-at-a-glance/corporation/wbtc/wbstc/|archive-date=20 June 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Operations==
===Fleet===
WBTC has a fleet of 1337 buses as of 2019.<ref name=TI1>{{Cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkatans-ditch-cars-warm-to-ac-bus-fleet/articleshow/69919831.cms | title=Kolkatans ditch cars, warm to AC bus fleet | first=Krishnendu | last=Bandyopadhyay | date=24 June 2019 | newspaper=The Times of India | access-date=20 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802154747/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkatans-ditch-cars-warm-to-ac-bus-fleet/articleshow/69919831.cms | archive-date=2 August 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> and 20 vessels for Passenger Ferry Service. Right now its fleet consists of 400 AC buses. These were brought under the visionary of the central [[JNNURM]] scheme. The buses are in blue and white livery of [[Volvo]], [[Tata Marcopolo]], [[Eicher Motors|Eicher]] and [[JanBus]] models from [[Ashok Leyland]], the first low floor front entry public buses in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/City-gets-bus-fleet-the-world-is-waiting-for/articleshow/39255119.cms|title=City gets bus fleet the world is waiting for|date=30 July 2014|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> WBTC is rapidly modernizing its fleet in 2026, focusing on eco-friendly and premium options. Key updates include a new 200-bus fleet of [[Eicher Motors|Eicher]] AC CNG buses (120 semi-deluxe, 50 deluxe, 30 midi) and new PMI Foton electric buses. This initiative aims to enhance commuter comfort and reduce pollution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-gets-25-ac-cng-buses-new-green-routes/articleshow/127949222.cms|title=Kolkata gets 25 AC CNG buses, new green routes|publisher=Times of India|access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsdrum.in/national/bengal-inducts-25-ac-cng-buses-plans-200-by-march-end-11101042|title=Bengal inducts 25 AC CNG buses; plans 200 by March-end|publisher=|access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/kolkata/air-conditioned-cng-buses-into-city-fleet-just-before-summer-mamata-banerjee-kolkata-bengal_642814.html|title=New AC CNG Buses: গরম শুরু হওয়ার আগেই কলকাতায় বাসযাত্রীদের জন্য সুখবর! এবার এসি বাসে চেপেই নিত্যদিন...|publisher=Zee 24 Ghanta|access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref>

===Division===
Previously, the depots were separately administered by '''[[Calcutta State Transport Corporation|
CSTC]]''', '''[[Calcutta Tramways Company|CTC]]''', '''[[West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation|WBSTC]]'''. But after the merger, all have come under the purview of '''WBTC'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://transport.wb.gov.in/infrastructure/bus-depots-terminals/|title=Bus Depots & Terminals|website=Transport Department, Government of West Bengal|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620123606/http://transport.wb.gov.in/infrastructure/bus-depots-terminals/|archive-date=20 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Depots===
WBTC Depots are used for parking and repairing buses and trams. The following depots are:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://transport.wb.gov.in/infrastructure/bus-depots-terminals/|title=Bus Depots & Terminals|publisher=Transport Department, Govt. of WB|access-date=10 September 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|[[Nilganj|Nilgunge]] Depot (ND)
|-
|[[Belghoria]] Depot (BD)
|-
|[[Garia]] Depot (GD)
|-
|[[Howrah]] Depot (HD)
|-
|[[Kasba, Kolkata|Kasba]] Depot (KD)
|-
|[[Lake Gardens|Lake]] Depot (LD)
|-
|[[Maniktala]] Depot (MD)
|-
|[[Paikpara]] Depot (PD)
|-
|[[Salt Lake City, Kolkata|Salt Lake]] Depot (SLD)
|-
|[[Taratala]] Depot (TD)
|-
|[[Thakurpukur]] Depot (TPD)
|-
|[[Belgachia]] Depot (BL)
|-
|[[Tollygunge]] Depot (TG)
|-
|[[Khidirpur]] Depot (KP)
|-
|[[Gariahat Road|Gariahat]] Depot (GH)
|-
|[[Park Circus]] Depot (PC)
|-
|[[New Town, Kolkata|Pride Plaza]] Depot (PRD)
|-
|[[Rajabazar, Kolkata|Rajabazar]] Depot (RB)
|-
|[[Beniapukur|Nonapukur]] Depot (NP)
|-
|[[Ultadanga]] Depot (UD)
|-
|[[Joka, Kolkata|Joka]] Depot (JK)
|-
|[[Kalighat]] Depot (KG)
|-
|[[Barasat]] Depot (BS)
|-
|[[Salkia|Ghasbagan]] Depot (GB)
|-
|[[Habra]] Depot (HB)
|-
|}

==Services==

=== Bus services ===
{{See also|Calcutta State Transport Corporation}}
Buses are operated on many routes across Kolkata and its suburban areas providing express bus service with limited stops.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wbtconline.in/wbtc-city-bus-routes|title=WBTC City Bus routes|publisher=WBTC|access-date=7 September 2025}}</ref>

[[File:City Bus - Dorina Crossing - Esplanade - Kolkata 2016-06-23 5194.JPG|thumb|]]

===Late night services===
This was introduced to provide late night transportation service to the city. Buses ply on several important routes across the city connecting northern & southern parts of the city with [[Howrah Junction railway station|Howrah Station]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata Airport]], [[Salt Lake, Kolkata|Salt Lake]] and [[New Town, Kolkata|New Town]]. These routes are AC-39, AC-24/AC-24A, AC-12D, AC-5, AC-47, AC-50A, S-10A, E-1, E-32, AC-54, EB-14, S-22, S-24, S-7, S-12, S-12D, S-3A, S-30, S-31 and AC-37.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apacnewsnetwork.com/2025/03/kolkata-to-resume-night-bus-services-in-20-routes-after-7-years/|title=Kolkata to Resume Night Bus Services in 20 Routes after 7 Years|publisher=|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/kolkata/wb-govt-staring-late-night-bus-service-in-kolkata/|title=রাত ১১টার পরও মিলবে বাস পরিষেবা, যাত্রীদের সুবিধায় শহরে সরকারি বাসের 'লেট নাইট সার্ভিস' চালু|publisher=Sangbad Pratidin|date=4 March 2025|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

===Banglashree Express AC Bus services===

This service was introduced to connect district Headquarters towns of the state with the state capital with express bus service, so that people can travel overnight to reach Kolkata.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aitcofficial.org/aitc/bengal-cm-set-to-flag-off-banglashree-express-buses-today/|title=Bengal CM flags off Banglashree Express buses|publisher=AITC|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

The bus route number starts with '''BE'''.

===Tram services===
{{For|more detail|Trams in Kolkata}}
The tram operations came under WBTC from CTC, after the merge. In 2019 air-conditioned Trams were introduced in the network.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/west-bengal-transport-corporation-gets-award-for-reforms-in-kolkata-tramways/cid/1934713|title=West Bengal Transport Corporation gets award for reforms in Kolkata tramways|publisher=The Telegraph|date=6 May 2023|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

===Ferry services===
WBTC also operates ferry routes across Hooghly river. One can avail the services using daily tickets, and few routes using season ticket.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wbtc.co.in/ferry-service/|title=Ferry Service – WBTC-West Bengal Transport Corporation|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115160656/https://wbtc.co.in/ferry-service/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Special Bus services===

Some special bus services are also provided on some occasions like<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wbtc.co.in/special-services/|title=Special Services – WBTC-West Bengal Transport Corporation|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=11 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511162301/https://wbtc.co.in/special-services/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* Gangasagar Mela
* Durga Puja Parikrama
* Durga Puja Shopping
* International Kolkata Book Fair
* Winter Weekend Special
* Eco Park Operation
* Christmas Carnival
* Haj Pilgrims

==Public initiatives==
*Kolkata Tram Library: WBTC launched India's first Tram library on 24 September 2020, in presence of MD, WBTC, Rajanvir Singh Kapur IAS
*Kolkata Heritage River Cruise: launched by WBTC on 1 October 2020.
*Kolkata Tyre Park: launched on 13 November 2020, made using scrap tyres in presence of Chairman Rachpal Singh, Vice Chairman Saha and MD Rajanvir Singh Kapur IAS.
*Paat Rani: A tram with jute items made by inmates of Presidency and Dum Dum Correctional Homes was launched on 13 November 2020.
*On 14 November 2020, WBTC launched world's first children library named Kolkata Young Readers’ Tramcar. Launched by MD WBTC Rajanvir Singh Kapur and Director Apeejay.<ref>{{cite web |title=World's First Tramcar For Young Readers in Kolkata |url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/worlds-first-tramcar-for-young-readers-in-kolkata-4211215/ |website=India.com |language=en |date=15 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuruvilla |first1=Elizabeth |title=Business Lounge with Priti Paul |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/hLmCe3jo5Z8ebW06Dt8RoL/Business-Lounge-with-Priti-Paul.html |website=mint |language=en |date=8 May 2015}}</ref>
* Road Safety Campaign called 'Safe Drive Save Life'.
* Environment Protection campaign through the Green Movement campaign
*On the 140th Anniversary of registration of the Calcutta Tramways Company in London, on 22 December 2020; WBTC launched Tram World Kolkata (TWK). TWK was planned to convert a junkyard in Gariahat Tram depot. The entire effort took 41 days.
In 41 days the area was converted into a paradise for tram lovers, with stamps, tickets, coins, old tram documents and vintage photos. Food, music and art will be added in due course to make it an international tourist destination for tram lovers.

Launched by MD Rajanvir Singh Kapur IAS in presence of Chairman Rachpal Singh IPS Retd.

==Other utilities==

===Intelligent Transport System===
To cope up with the increasing demand of public transport in the city, some innovative measures were taken up, with a cost of ₹ 9,39,89,926, except fleet management. This also includes the Yatri Sathi app.

* On-Bus Intelligent Transport System (OBITS)
* Automatic Fare collection system (AFCS) with Smart Card ticketing system '''(West Bengal Transport Card)'''
* Passenger Information system including Mobile Application on the basis of Vehicle Tracking System
* Fleet Management System
* Integration Services for UBS-II complied Buses
* Passenger friendly on-board destination display
* Removal of additional switch for ITS to enable tracking whenever the ignition is on
* Zero cost on commuter to use these facilities – info available on their smart phones and publicly displayed LEDs
* A unique application (Driver's app) has been introduced to track non-BS-IV vehicles too

== See also ==

* [[Transport in Kolkata]]
* [[Trams in Kolkata]]
* [[Calcutta State Transport Corporation]]
* [[Calcutta Tramways Company]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}{{West Bengal transit}}{{State owned road transport companies in India}}

[[Category:State road transport corporations of India]]
[[Category:Transport in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Trams in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Companies based in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Transport in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Transport companies established in 1989]]
[[Category:Indian companies established in 1989]]
[[Category:1989 establishments in West Bengal]]

West Bengal Transport Corporation - Revision history

Shubha: made!