Kolkata: The three-day transport strike in West Bengal began on August 26 morning with most of the private bus, mini bus and taxis going off the road. However, government buses were plying normally.

Police sources said the number of private buses, mini buses and taxis on the road was very few though government buses and trams run by Calcutta State Transport Corporation, and Calcutta Tramways Corporation were playing.

The North Bengal State Transport Corporation and South Bengal State Transport Corporation were also running their long distances buses normally, the sources said.

Transport minister Subhas Chakraborty had said on August 25 the strike would not have much impact on public life as more than 2,000 buses and trams would run in Kolkata, connecting the city with the Howrah Railway terminus and the airport.

All private transporters, including buses, taxis, trucks, chartered and school buses called the 72-hour strike demanding withdrawal of additional tax and police fines.

Stating that a number of taxi and private bus owners have expressed the wish to operate their vehicles, The minister said at least 5,000 private buses would run in North and South 24-Parganas districts, besides Howrah and Kolkata.

Chakraborty, also the president of private bus workers associations in 20 routes, said workers in all these routes have said that they would run their vehicles during the strike.

PTI