Yesterdate: This day from Kolkata’s past, July 31, 1948

Calcutta State Transport Corporation started on this day as State Transport Services to provide an efficient and affordable passenger bus service. It began with 25 petrol-driven single decker buses operating in six city routes. State Transport Services was renamed Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC) on June 15, 1960.

Till 1966-67, CSTC covered about 90% of the city routes, official figures say. But due to financial constraints CSTC could not meet increasing passenger demands and the government allowed private operators in the city. Later CSTC was merged with other transport providers to form West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC).