This was the world’s longest bus route, the journey started from London and ended at Kolkata

When did this bus run for the first time?

First of all, let us tell you, this bus ran for the first time from London to Kolkata on 15 April 1957. It was known as “Albert” and the journeys undertaken by it were called “Albert tours”. It used to take about 50 days for the bus to reach Kolkata from London. At that time, this bus covered a distance of 10,000 miles in one direction.

Know about the bus

The bus was an AEC Regal III model with ‘London to Calcutta’ written on the front, which left London on April 15, 1957 and was driven by a man named ‘Oswald-Joseph Garrow-Fisher’. Let us tell you, this bus reached Kolkata for the first time on June 5, 50 days later.

The bus travelled from England to Belgium and then through Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northwest India before reaching India. After entering India, it finally reached Kolkata via New Delhi, Agra, Allahabad and Banaras.

About the bus facilities

Compared to the buses that run today, the bus named Albert was quite advanced. The bus was designed keeping in mind that the passengers should not face any kind of trouble. The bus had sleeping compartments, fans, music, salon, place to read books, kitchen and a special balcony to look outside.

how much was the bus fare

At that time, the one-way fare of this bus was 145 pounds. The bus ticket was also special. It was written on it that if the border between India and Pakistan is closed, then the passengers will be taken to Pakistan by plane. Let us tell you, after some time the bus fare was also increased, but this fare also included food, breakfast and accommodation in hotels on the way for the passengers.

What were the rules for traveling in this bus

Before traveling in this bus from Kolkata to London, it was necessary to follow some rules. In which it was mandatory to keep the necessary documents. These necessary documents included passport and passport size photo. Some passengers used to get their visa themselves, but if someone did not get it, then the bus company used to make this arrangement.

Some buses had arrangements for overnight stay, while hotel rooms were arranged for some passengers. All this was included in the ticket. One bus running on this route was fully air conditioned. Passengers felt at home sitting in this bus. Let us tell you, this bus service was discontinued in 1976.