Barabani: Long-standing resentment regarding the reckless plying of uncoordinated totos and passenger safety finally exploded on the Asansol-Domohani route. Since yesterday, bus owners and drivers had suspended all minibus services on this route indefinitely. Their clear demand was that unless the reckless movement of illegal totos is controlled and specific rules are enforced, they will not put the buses back on the road. As a result, general passengers faced immense suffering.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Barabani Police Station OC Dibyendu Mukherjee and two traffic police officers held an emergency meeting at the Barabani police station this morning with both parties. Representatives from bus owners-drivers and toto drivers-owners associations were present at the meeting. After a long discussion, the administration decided that the entry of totos into Damani Bazar will be completely banned, and a specific parking zone will be created for the totos. It was decided that totos will operate carrying passengers from that designated spot only.
However, minibus drivers and conductors are reluctant to fully accept this mediation and directive of the administration. According to them, such partial measures will not provide a permanent solution to the problem. Dissatisfied with this decision of the administration, bus drivers and staff have approached the Asansol Minibus Association office for their next course of action. Due to this sudden bus strike and the toto-bus conflict, the deadlock remains almost unresolved, creating extreme tension in the area.
[Statements of bus drivers and toto drivers added to the news]
Minibuses Driver: "The way totos are being driven anywhere and everywhere on our route, our business has gone for a toss. We are facing huge losses every day. The solution formula provided by the administration does not offer a permanent solution to our problem. It is not possible for us to drive buses unless we get a complete remedy."
Toto Driver: "We are poor people, our families run by driving totos. If our vehicles are suddenly banned from entering, where will we go? The question of our livelihood is also involved. There should be a balanced solution through discussion so that both parties can work."
