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What are transportation options and challenges in Kolkata, West Bengal?

58 local experts
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Are there taxis in Kolkata? What about scooters? What are the public transportation options? Here's what 58 local experts had to say about transportation methods in Kolkata, West Bengal.

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A must visit city of India, connected to the rest of the world by air, rail & busses. Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Zoo, Academy of Fine Arts, Race Course, Parade Ground, Kali Temple at kalighat & Dakshineswar, Birla Platoroum, Science City and Eco park will amuse you.

Biswajit, says: 2023

Most people are informal but can be aggressive. All kinds of food is available. Medical infra is good. Traffic is bad and the city is crowded unless one moves to the outskirts. Weather from April to Oct is very hot and humid. Live in Kolkata if you like to see people around you all the time and enjoy good food without burning your pocket.

Kolkata is a very beautiful city. It’s remarkably cheap and the cost of living is low compared to other metropolitans. While Kolkata is easy on new comers, I would advise you to choose Ola or Uber over the yellow taxi. People are quite helpful so you can ask for help without hesitation.

The basic culture of the city as it is resided by different communities. The market areas, the kind of transport that one could avail. There are sometimes different routes for one destination. So people must choose to correct route to travel faster. People must also know the particular areas for work and relaxation.

Pritpal, says: 2020

Kolkata is an extremely humid city. The heat is almost unbearable during summer. One must wear light, cotton clothes at all times. One should also carry an umbrella when outdoors. Hats and sunglasses also come handy. Carrying a bottle of water, while commuting, is an absolute must.

Farhan, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of joy, and as the very name suggests it is a place to be in for those who love the hanging Howrah bridge over the sprawling Ganges river or the Victoria Memorial and the National Library. It has an old world charm with a newness sprinkled over. The people are very friendly and the chit chat in local trains and buses are a must for the daily commuters. Festivals and celebrations are always on the go along with serious studies and dedicated workers. The Durga Puja marks the city with its vivacity and joyousness. One would definitely fall in love with the city once they visit it.

Beaulin, says: 2020

This is a very dirty place, grimy, yo can say that. Therefore, know that you wouldn’t have a really good experience. There are certainly good places to see, but the rest of the city is, well, not so good, anyway. ‘This one’s really polluted, and people don’t much actually care about their surroundings. Traffic is a problem, and if you want to see bad coordination, come here, and stay here for a week. There, this isn’t a bright picture, but reality, though.

Tanmoy, says: 2020

One doesn’t have to worry too much about finding affordable places to live in Kolkata, as there are affordable options for accommodation in the city. Transport in the city presents itself with an array of options ranging from buses, to the quintessential yellow taxis of Kolkata. Trams too, are a historically rich option.

Bhavana, says: 2020

Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is a really beautiful city full of bridges, libraries, rivers and culture but as every place has its shortcomings, Kolkata can be a risky city for anyone who is used to a peaceful life as traffic tends to increase a lot on weekdays but that should not stop anyone from moving to this wonderful city as it is one of the safest cities of India.

Kolkata is a very hot and humid city. One must always wear cotton clothes to beat the heat. Carrying a bottle of water while commuting is a must. Carrying an umbrella or wearing a cap is also advisable to avoid the scorching rays of the sun. Having a pair of sunglasses is also very helpful.

Abhinav, says: 2020

My city is called the ‘City of Joy’. Public transport is the lifeline of this city. There’s no death of historical monuments here. Starting from the Howrah Bridge to Victoria Memorial, the famous horse carriage rides, it has it all. The National Library situate here is the largest library in the country.

– Anyone moving to Kolkata must have working knowledge of either Bengali or Hindi, especially if they are to rely on public transport. Even otherwise, knowing either of these two languages is important to make it work here.
– Traffic in Kolkata may not be as bad as other metropolitans but traffic directions change at certain times of the day. For example, certain roads have only one-way traffic at certain times. Using online maps is particularly helpful for the newcomer.
– Sharing a cab with a bunch of strangers is not advisable. People have been mugged in the process.
– If someone is relocating from a different city, street food probably won’t pose a problem. But foreigners are warned to stay away from it. Not only can it be particularly tough on the digestive system, as many of my acquaintances have found out the hard way, hawkers have also been known to dupe customers who aren’t familiar with the tricks of their trade. Speaking of trade, anyone visiting New Market must be well-versed in the art of haggling. Prices can come down to as much as one-fourth, if negotiated the right way.
– Late night wandering in the city is not particularly safe. It is advisable to reach one’s destination by 10pm.

Srimathi, says: 2020

The city is the city of Joy in India. It was once known as “Calcutta”. It was the capital of India during British rule. One of the best sweets is available in the city. The city still has tram running through its streets. The city gave Nobel Laureates like Rabindranath Tagore.

Mausam, says: 2020

It is convenient to travel and communicate in the city for someone new moving here. People will help the person with food and lodging guidance. Metro bus and car services are available therefore for someone new travelling to required destination should not be an issue. On weekends you can easily move around for sightseeing in the city.

Suresh, says: 2020

Kolkata is a good place. As it’s weather is very pleasant. Overall here cost of living is low. one can save more money. And as it’s a metro city, it’s easy to travel from one place to another with metro, apart from that here the local train and bus services are great and cheap. Apart from that auto and taxi services are also quite cheap than other cities. Food is great and cheap. Lots of places to visit in weekends. Education system is great.

Amrinder, says: 2020

The city is very warm and friendly. It is called the city of Joy. It is not expensive, people with modest means can comfortably live here. The transport system is very good. Good healthcare facilities are available. There are good malls, theater, park, playgrounds available. And oh! There are sufficient good educational institutes both schools and colleges for your children to study.

If moving to Kolkata, India then be aware that there is an abundance of public transportation options here so you do not need to plan on owning an automobile. you will be quite impressed with the cuisine and the wide range of restaurant and street food options available. Finally, Kolkata is a great jumping off point for traveling throughout south and southeast Asia. There are easy flights to Thailand, China, and other cities in India.

Mehala, says: 2020

Public transport is the major means of commuting to and from one place to another and while private cab services might seem to be a more viable and tempting option, the former is much more economical and convenient. The streets are crowded and one can lose ways easily if they are not well-versed with the directions. The climate is, for the most part, humid and arid with the mercury soaring high for the better part of the year, so one should always have a handy parasol and some water to keep yourself hydrated and healthy.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the city, Kolkata is a very busy city. Newcomers can easily get overwhelmed by the extreme traffic and overall chaotic nature of Kolkata. People who are not familiar with the busy urban lifestyle will face more issues. However, with the correct guidance and time, one can eventually adapt to the busy city.

Saravana, says: 2020

It is a beautiful place over all. It has its own pros and cons. Let me first tell you about the pros which are:
* Transportation is available 24/7.
* There are a lot of beautiful and fun places, where you can go with family.
* The rent not that much too.

Now the cons:
* The air here is not that great.
* There is a lot of traffic here at time.
* Overall a lot of place are just crowded a lot of time.

Darshan, says: 2020

Someone moving to my city, must try out all the cuisines that my city offers. And never miss the Durga puja. And should try out Rosogollas! And be worried about the same looking streets all over the city. And know all the streets to save themselves from traffic jams!

Mitesh, says: 2020

Kolkata is “City of buildings”! Kolkata has the Kolkata International Airport and the Metro Rail. Kolkata pride itself for having historical monuments like Shahid Minar and the hanging Howrah bridge across the river Ganga built during the British period. Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial are among the top destinations in Kolkata. Kolkata is also the spiritual hub boasting of age old temples, churches, and mosques. Kolkata Biryani is one of the delicious dishes to try for someone new in the city.

Know about traffic during the rush hour. Also, how to communicate in local or native language as the locals might not understand what they are trying to say. Car honking is quite famous in our city, you can hear honking at all times of night and morning.

Kasturi, says: 2020

Kolkata is very good. You can visit the national museum or the Victoria Memorial or the national library. The place is also known for its trams which are only in this city of India. This is an amazing city. The people here are really great and well behaved.

Sahana, says: 2020

Kolkata is in India. It is a very hot and humid city, on the banks of river Ganges. The city is known for Victoria Memorial and street food. It is a metropolitan city so, it is very crowded. There is lot of traffic jam and it takes quite a long time to go from one place to another. In city transportation is rich with government and private buses, local trains, taxis, autos and metros.

Chanpreet, says: 2020

The first thing one should be aware of is Kolkata’s streets. It has streets and lanes spread throughout like labyrinths. One should make a thorough inspection of the neighbourhood they are moving to to make sure they know most of the alternative routes that lead to the locality. It is advisable to avoid the desolate ones as they might be dangerous to roam at night; some even during the day.

Prerna, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of joy as they say. It is a city with plenty of opportunities in variety of fields. One of the cheapest cities where one can thrive with joyful people around. People around you are always willing to help. The transport system is very cheap. You will find soman delicious food to eat and people of welcoming nature.

Farhana, says: 2020

Someone moving tomy city, Kolkata, should be prepared for a crowded public transport system and a rainy weather. However, there are many eateries offering delicious food and old heritage buildings to admire. My city was colonized by the British Raj and has also been heavily influenced by Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese and French culture, contributing to a beautiful blend of international and national culture.

Aayushi, says: 2020

Move to Kolkata in winter. The weather is excellent here during this season. Or, you could also consider moving here during Durga Puja, a five-day festival welcoming the main Goddess of Bengali Hindus home. The city is an elaborate affair during this festivity with beautiful pandals and dressed up people everywhere. The streets here are known by various names and you would rarely find street signs, so it is important to get acquainted with the landmarks of the city fast. Also, use the metro for fast and reliable transportation so that you can avoid the long traffic during office hours.

Sachin, says: 2020

In this city there is quite poor jobs and even if one gets the job, then the salary is not up to the mark. Unemployment rate is quite high. Climatic condition is suitable. Market price is quite affordable compared to the other cities. The transport facility is far better than many cities.

Anyone moving to Kolkata should know the following: It’s pretty cost effective – you would find a decent location to rent at reasonable rates, public transport is cheap, the food is varied, mostly tasty, street food is consumed by even high ranked government officials at some places! the city offers a peek into many cultures and cuisines. For instance, Kolkata hosts a small but culturally vibrant chinese community.

Kanchan, says: 2020

Learning Bengali, the local language of West Bengal, is essential before moving to Kolkata. Also, the usual transportation in the city is local bus, which is quite cheap, but crowded. If you are a vegan, you might face some problems with food. People tend to love fish and spiced chicken curries.

Sushmitha, says: 2020

Moving to Kolkata is very easy. Speaking any of English, Hindi or Bengali would lead to smooth interactions with people. The roads are congested with heavy traffic, so knowledge of driving will be of great help. There are many beautiful places which can be found in internet. You should try “rosogolla”.

Shivani, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of joy. It’s famous for its palaces and old buildings. If you come to my city visit the National museum and the Victoria Memorial Hall. Don’t forget to have the street food and drink tea from the local shops. But in spite of all the beautiful things my city is a bit chaotic and has a lot of traffic which is often disturbing.

This city is a safe place. The cost of living here is lesser than other metropolitan cities of India. One should learn the local language as fast as possible, and be prepared to ride the bus cause it will be the most memorable part of the day.

Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta) is a city of commerce, transport, and manufacture, It is the dominant urban centre of eastern India. This large and vibrant Indian city thrives amid seemingly insurmountable economic, social, and political problems. Crowds horde to Kolkata’s book fairs, art exhibitions, and concerts, and there is a lively trading of polemics on walls, which has led to Kolkata being dubbed the “city of posters.” Kolkata remains a quandary to many Indians and to foreigners. It continues to puzzle newcomers and to arouse an abiding nostalgia in the minds of those who have lived there.

She/He should be wary of petty thieves on the streets. Kolkata gets dusty so he should wear masks at all times. Traffic is chaos as well. I suggest him to not move here at all. But then again, the city is old and charming in its own way.

Kolkata, as we all are aware is one of the metropolitan cities of India. you can’t expect to see tons of scenic beauty but it sure is heaven to those seeking insight to what influence British rule had to India. The architecture that is seen is appreciable. Compared to other metros the cost of living here is much lower. But commuting is a headache considering all the hustle and bustle on the roads which is a common sight. Kolkata offers street food that can make any foodie to hop onto cloud nine! The weather is pretty moderate and not much of a problem. The rest is for you to come and explore! Hope this helped.

Kolkata is a crowded city. Public transports are always crowded, he must be aware of it. It is a hot and humid place, so one must bring with him summer clothes. It can rain anytime here, so he also must consider carrying an umbrella always with him too. Kolkata is known as land of sweets, so he must try out the various types of sweets sold out here too.

Bus fares, cheap hotels, transport facility. Whether they want to stay in the north or the south. From March to June it is really hot, so do they want to face that? It is a cosmopolitan city with lots of people. not many places for a quiet walk. But there are those places and it might be beneficial to know them.

Gunjan, says: 2020

Kolkata, also known as the city of joy is a place where people are humble and helpful. If a person is qualified enough then he/she would end up making decent income for living. The authentic Bengali cuisine that the city serves is worth dying for. Daytime is commonly represented by hustling traffic as life here is quite busy bt nights are Serene and peaceful.

Ananya, says: 2020

A person who wishes to move to Kolkata needs to know at least one local language: Hindi or Bengali. He needs to quickly understand the main transport lines. It is best to try and reside in the centre of the city.

Ranica, says: 2020

Compared to other megacities Kolkata is much affordable city. It has much cheaper transport. You can find hotels or rented house at affordable prices. All food cuisine. Many beautiful places. Some areas can be congested. But mostly you get your best place. Safest place you can stay in.

Deepak, says: 2020

The city is typically affordable to live in when it is compared to other Metropolitan cities in India. It is also extremely growing in its culture. The city is well connected throughout which eases the transport and communication. The city does not have high traffic which is also another added benefit.

Madhoo, says: 2020

Kolkata is very beautiful. People are so cooperative and helpful. Street foods are also so tasty here. However, in the office time the rush is so high. You have to be very careful while travelling. Otherwise everything is available here. Good food, beautiful places, ganga ghat, local trains, metro, shopping malls and street shopping also.

Ajinkya, says: 2020

Kolkata is known as the “City Of Joy”. It’s a city with plenty of opportunities. It’s a very big city with almost everything available that anyone can imagine. Here you can see millionaires roaming the streets in their luxury cars and beggars sleeping unfed beside the roads on the footpaths. It has a lot of heritage such as Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial. Kolkata is well connected with the rest of the world by air, water, rails and roads.

Kolkata city is famous for its culture and the Howrah bridge. Here people should speak the Bengali language. Kolkata is known for his culture, nature, and its beauty. you can see the perfect Indian culture here, this place is also known for great writer Rabindranath Tagore. You can enjoy the ride of a rickshaw in the city.

Mayank, says: 2020

It is well developed city. It is the one of the oldest city in India. It is famous for its culture and poetry. The transport facility are quite developed here. It is also called city of joy for its soulful embodiment of culture, love, respect enthusiasm and some amazing sweet delicacies.

Manjunath, says: 2020

The ‘City of Joy’, or Kolkata as it is known, is a city of wonders. Even though Kolkata is in West Bengal, a predominantly ‘Bengali’ state, it is an anomaly to that. It is a very secular city and people from all religions and castes are accepted and embraced here. The living costs in Kolkata are very cheap compared to the other ‘Metro’ cities of India. It also has excellent and efficient transport facilities. One can find cuisines from all over India and the world here. It also has some great architectural wonders like the Victoria Memorial and various other grand museums scattered throughout the city.

Firdous, says: 2020

Calcutta’s the only city I know where you are actively encouraged to stop strangers at random for a quick chat. First city in India which started Underground Metro. Tram oldest mode of transport still running Kolkata. Known for famous sweet called Rasgulla. Those places where sadness and misery abound are favoured settings for stories of ghosts and apparitions. Calcutta has countless such stories hidden in its darkness.

Kolkata is the city of joy. The people of my city are very kind. Transportation is very cheap here and it’s very good and pocket friendly for the people working in Kolkata. The houses in rent are cheaper than other places here. People here love to eat and one of the biggest festival is held here yearly and that is Durga Puja.

Nithya, says: 2020

The city is known for city of joy. One can visit and enjoy each and every moment here by roaming and celebrating stuffs together with the people of Kolkata. The city is full of monuments and other scenic beauties. Kolkata’s attractions also lies in its unusual public transportation system as it offer multiple modes of transport like hand puller rickshaw to older trams and metro trains to boats. The best time to visit the city is during its biggest festival which is the Durga Puja. At that time the entire city is dressed up in amazing lights and stay awake 20 four hours with big crowd migrating from various parts of West Bengal and other parts of the world.

Pankaj, says: 2020

This city is well connected with Kolkata using local train but doesn’t have good communication with the IT sector. A lot of services like home delivery from Spencer or Big basket might not be available. One good thing is there are plenty of options for choosing a good school for your kid.

Arpita, says: 2020

it is not an expensive area to live in compared to the other metro cities across the country. For food, transport, housing and daily life in general, the city is a safe bet for life. It is even full of cultures and traditions. Thus, in my candid opinion, Kolkata is surely a good place.

Pramod, says: 2020

train timing and places to visit they should know. what are the types of food and sweets they can have while travelling here. Some places they can visit such as Victoria Memorial, Esplanade, Park Street and more. They also have to know about where to stay and in which locality they can afford.

Colloquially known as City of Joy, this city has a rich history. With people of all sects living here harmoniously, it is a sterling example of unity in diversity. With a bright and sublime sights, the essence leaves a sweet aftertaste and a tang of nostalgia. It can be intensely hot and humid in the peak of summer. Being one of the few metropolitan city in India, it abounds in opportunities and resources. With efficient municipalities and a strong governance the city is a safe haven. Widely dispersed transport systems allow for easy and cheap commute. Easy accessibility and helpful members of society make it a wonderful place.

Kolkata is one of the four Metro cities of India and the state capital of West Bengal. It is the city where heritage, culture and modernism walk hand in hand. On one side you can catch up and hire any kind of modern mode of transport to commute, on the other hand you can also have the luxury of enjoying a tram ride.

Melinda, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of joy. Know the cheap and tasty food which includes the delicious sweets and the mouth smacking fish dishes, the loud crowd, the helpful and arguing strangers, the colourful religion and traditions, the heat and humid weather, the cheap transports and last but not the least, historical places.

Vidhya, says: 2020
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