Sunday shock: 60–70% autos off roads, commuters stranded

A sharp auto shortage in Kolkata on Sunday brought major disruption to daily commuting, leaving passengers stranded and forcing many to depend on costly cab services. With nearly 60% to 70% of autos off the roads, the city’s last-mile connectivity in Kolkata was severely affected at a time when public transport options are already limited on weekends.

Rising Fuel Costs Trigger Kolkata Auto Shortage

The ongoing Kolkata auto shortage has been driven largely by increasing fuel expenses and restricted LPG supply. Auto operators reported a rise of around Rs 13 in auto gas prices this month, adding pressure to already thin margins.

LPG Supply Constraints Worsen Operations

Drivers say they are receiving only about 10 litres of LPG per day, which is insufficient for completing average daily runs of 120 km to 170 km. With mileage between 16–17 km per litre, many vehicles cannot recover operating costs, leading several drivers to skip working Sundays altogether.

Earlier dependence on ‘kata gas’ (illegally diverted domestic LPG) has been replaced with regulated LPG usage, but this shift has increased demand at official outlets. This has further tightened supply and contributed to the ongoing fuel crisis for autos in Kolkata.

Fare Restrictions Add to Driver Stress

Route committees have restricted fare hikes, making it difficult for drivers to adjust to rising expenses. Operators argue that unless autos run with full passenger capacity, they are unable to break even, especially on Sundays when passenger flow is unpredictable.

Commuters Struggle as Last-Mile Connectivity in Kolkata Breaks Down

The Kolkata auto shortage had an immediate and visible impact on commuters across the city. Many passengers reported waiting 30 to 40 minutes for autos, only to resort to surge-priced cab rides.

Weekend Travel Becomes Difficult for Passengers

Autos are a key part of last-mile connectivity in Kolkata, especially on Sundays when buses and metro services run less frequently. The shortage left several routes in South Kolkata, including Entally, Kalighat, Garia, and Rashbehari, severely affected.

Passenger Frustration Over Unreliable Service

Commuters expressed frustration over the sudden drop in availability. Many said autos are the most reliable short-distance transport option, and their absence leaves the entire system struggling to function smoothly on weekends.

Route committee members acknowledged the crisis but stated that fare hikes remain a sensitive issue due to passenger affordability concerns. Discussions are ongoing to balance both sides of the problem.

Conclusion

The ongoing Kolkata auto shortage highlights deep structural challenges in urban transport economics, where rising fuel costs and restricted fare flexibility are creating operational pressure. With autos forming a critical part of last-mile connectivity in Kolkata, any continued disruption could significantly impact weekend mobility across the city if no long-term solution is found.