BUS YATRA

Bus Yatra 1.0

Today we started our journey from Ramrajatala Old Bus Stand, opposite the iconic Ramraja Temple. A place, which used to be the century-old route number 52's home, prior to the buses of the route getting shifted to the new bus stand. We slowly moved towards Howrah Maidan, whereby we were joined by the Electric AC bus of WBTC. The last piece of our puzzle was completed at Howrah Railway Station, when the last surviving wooden bus belonging to route number 56, joined our convoy. Around 12 pm, we started moving towards Howrah Bridge, en route to Esplanade.
It was after years, a wooden bus actually crossed the Howrah Bridge. Finally, we arrived at Esplanade (right in front of Metro Cinema), whereby the three buses were parked one after the other. The order of the buses was as follows: 1) Wooden bus of route 56, 2) Exhibition inside Route 52, 3) WBTC Electric Bus. 
Our event was inaugurated by the Honourable Managing Director of West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), Shri Rajanvir Singh Kapur, IAS. The buses were then kept open to the public for them to witness the exhibition inside route 52, the charm of the nostalgic wooden bus, and the cool breeze of the AC bus. 

The main purpose of the event were:
A) To celebrate the century-old existence of route number 52.
B)To celebrate the last wooden bus of South Bengal belonging to route number 56.
C) This year also marks the 75th year of Calcutta State Transport Corporation, as well as the celebration of 100 years of bus operation by Calcutta Tramways Company, with both being glorious parts of WBTC.

The buses were parked at Esplanade for around an hour, following which we started our journey towards Howrah Maidan. En route, we made small halts near the Reserve Bank of India and the Bamkim Setu, to click iconic photos/videos. 
After completing our photo sessions, we proceeded towards our final destination at Howrah Maidan.
At Howrah Maidan, a parade was held comprising the three buses, our members and members of the Second Howrah District, Boy Scouts of Bengal. This was followed by the felicitation of the bus drivers and conductors taking part in our event. They were also given a guard of honour for their outstanding services to society.
Thus we concluded our Bus Yatra 1.0 after a successful day.

This was our first event going solo, and we're excited to share that over 500 men/women (including senior citizens) and children attended the Bus Yatra. 

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to:
1) Shri Rajanvir Singh Kapur, MD, WBTC, for his kind support.
2) Shri Tito Saha, General Secretary, City Suburban Bus Service,
3) Shri Rahul Chatterjee, General Secretary, All Bengal Bus Minibus Sammanoy,
4) Shri Bholanath Chowdhury, Route Secretary, Route 52 and 58,
5) Sanjib Patra, Route Secretary, Route 63 and Alliance,
6) Lions Club of Calcutta Circular,
7) Lokenath Bus Service,
8) SwitchOn Foundation,
9)S.P. Enterprise,
10) Pran Potato Cracker
11) Banglar Bhoboghure 1.0
12) Second Howrah District, Boy Scouts of Bengal

and all the members, admins, moderators and all the attendees of the Bus Yatra.

We promise to host something even bigger and better next year. Till then stay tuned with Team Kolkata bus-o-pedia.

Thank you once again. 🙏🏻

With sincere regards,
Aniket Banerjee,
General Secretary,
Kolkata bus-o-pedia.