Private buss operators and taxi operators have brought the bustling city of Kolkata to a halt. The third most populated city has been hit by a strike, with schools and universities postponing the exams. Most of the schools have declared holiday. This strike is due to a government ruling to implement a ban on all commercial vehicles which are 15 years plus. This is to cut down the pollution in the city. The ban will come to effect on 1st August 2009. More that 60,000 cabs and 10,000 busses are part of the strike and this has made a major impact on daily commuters in the city.

In a recent study it has been found that out of the 18 million residents of Kolkata, 70% suffer from respiratory problems. There has also been a sharp increase in lung cancer cases in the city. This ban by the Kolkata high court is to cut down the pollution in the city.

The operators are ready to work with the government and are ready to move to green fuels or even going for new vehicles. But need the government to support them with soft loans with easy repayment schemes. They also need some time before they can make the switch.