Guide to Finding the Right Car Towing Service in Kolkata

Ever found yourself stranded in the middle of a Kolkata traffic jam with a dead engine?
It’s frustrating, right? The honking, the stares, the helplessness. Trust me, I’ve been there too.
Whether it’s the narrow lanes of North Kolkata or the wide bypass roads of Salt Lake, your car doesn’t really choose the best spot to break down. But here’s the good news—a reliable car towing service in Kolkata can be your best friend in that exact moment.
Why Car Towing Services Are a Lifesaver in Kolkata

Extreme traffic congestion: One stalled vehicle can jam the entire street.
Aged vehicles on the road: Many older cars are still running in Kolkata, increasing the chances of breakdowns.
Narrow and confusing lanes: Areas like Shyambazar, Maniktala, and Burrabazar can be a nightmare if your car halts there.
Limited parking and space: If your car breaks down in tight spots, only a trained towing crew can manage the recovery.
Unpredictable weather: Sudden rains and flooded roads are common, especially in monsoon months.
Let me share something real. A few months back, my cousin’s old Hyundai broke down on Rashbehari Avenue at 9 PM. With no towing number saved, he ended up pushing the car with the help of two kind auto drivers. Three hours later, he got home exhausted and drenched. Don’t be like him—having access to the right towing service can save your day (and your back!).
Types of Car Towing Services in Kolkata You Should Know
Every car breakdown is different. That’s why towing isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick breakdown of common services available in Kolkata:
Type of Towing | Best For | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Flatbed Towing | All kinds of vehicles, luxury cars | Safe and secure for long distances | Slightly expensive |
Hook and Chain | Damaged cars, post-accident | Quick and widely available | Risk of scratching car frame |
Wheel-Lift Towing | Small sedans, city cars | Affordable and fast | Not suitable for 4WD or luxury models |
Motorcycle Towing | Bikes and scooters | Perfect for two-wheelers | Not useful for cars |
Emergency Towing | Midnight breakdowns, highways | 24×7 support, rapid response | Usually costlier due to urgency factor |
Now, depending on where and when your car fails, you’ll need a different towing setup. For instance, flatbed towing is ideal if you’re stuck near the EM Bypass or heading to the airport and need to avoid damage. But for tight inner-city areas, wheel-lift towing is often faster and more practical.
How to Choose the Right Car Towing Service in Kolkata
Here’s where things get tricky. Kolkata has dozens of towing services—but not all are reliable.
So how do you choose? Use this checklist:
✅ 24×7 availability – The service must operate day and night.
✅ Transparent pricing – No hidden charges or bargaining over the phone.
✅ Trained staff – The crew should know how to handle modern cars and tight lanes.
✅ Response time under 30 mins – Especially for busy locations like Howrah or Park Street.
✅ GPS tracking – So you can monitor where your car is being taken.
✅ Google reviews or local ratings – Check real customer feedback.
Let me tell you a quick story. One evening, I helped an elderly uncle who was stuck near College Street. We called three services. One didn’t pick up, another quoted ₹3000 just to show up, and finally, a third guy arrived within 20 minutes with a smile and proper tools. Since then, I saved that number and have shared it with every friend I know!
When it comes to car towing service Kolkata, your best bet is to look for services that have:
Active WhatsApp support
Multi-language speaking staff (Bengali, Hindi, English)
Payment flexibility (UPI, cash, card)
Top Situations When You Might Need a Towing Service in Kolkata
A lot of people think they’ll “never need towing.” Until they do.
Here are common breakdown moments:
Car won’t start in the morning: Battery drained, especially in winter.
Flat tire with no stepney or jack: Happens more often than you think.
Car accident: Minor or major, a towing truck is safer than trying to drive a damaged car.
Overheated engine: Common in summer months like May and June.
Running out of fuel: Yes, it’s embarrassing. But it happens.
Water-logging after rain: Monsoon in Kolkata can literally drown your car’s engine.
Personal tip: If your car makes strange noises, smells like something’s burning, or refuses to shift gears—call a towing service before trying to “just drive it home.” You’ll avoid bigger repair bills.
What to Expect When You Call a Towing Service in Kolkata
When you’re stressed, the last thing you need is confusion. So here’s how a typical car towing service in Kolkata process works:
You call or WhatsApp them
Share your location and vehicle details
Mention if there’s any damage
Ask for ETA and total price upfront
They dispatch the right truck
Depending on your car size and location
They arrive, hook up your car safely
Professional teams bring their own tools, safety vests, cones, and even jump starters
You decide where the car goes
Home, service center, or even to your friend’s garage
Payment and receipt
Always ask for a digital receipt or invoice
One helpful idea? Save two to three towing numbers in your phone under “Emergency.” Label them clearly like “Towing – North Kolkata” or “Towing – South 24×7” so you don’t panic-search when it matters.
How Much Does a Car Towing Service in Kolkata Cost?
Ah, the question everyone worries about—how much will it cost me?
Let me break it down in a simple and honest way.
The cost of a car towing service in Kolkata depends on several things:
Distance (short city tow vs long highway tow)
Type of vehicle (sedan, SUV, luxury car)
Time of service (daytime vs midnight emergency)
Nature of issue (simple breakdown or accident recovery)
Equipment used (flatbed vs wheel-lift)
Average Towing Cost Table in Kolkata:
Service Type | Estimated Price (INR) |
---|---|
Basic city towing (within 10 km) | ₹800 – ₹1,200 |
Long-distance (10–30 km) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
Emergency towing (midnight) | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 |
Accident recovery towing | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000+ |
Flatbed towing for luxury cars | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
Note: Always confirm the cost beforehand. Ask, “Is this the total including GST and driver fee?” Some shady services might quote low and then surprise you with extra charges later.
Pro tip? A few reliable towing services in Kolkata even offer subscription plans or tie-ups with garages. You pay a fixed monthly fee, and they promise unlimited support. Worth it if your car is older or you drive daily.
Real Kolkata Stories That’ll Make You Call Towing Services Now
Here are two real, emotional stories that show how car towing services in Kolkata don’t just save cars—they save people from panic, danger, and embarrassment.
1. Park Circus Panic
Puja, a school teacher, was driving her old Maruti Zen back home from a tuition session near Park Circus. Suddenly, her car began to smoke, and she had no idea what to do.
People around started yelling, “Dada, bonduk toiri hochhe naki?” (Is this car about to explode?).
A stranger helped her call a towing number he had saved. The service arrived in 18 minutes flat, calmed her down, gave her a bottle of water, and towed her to her mechanic near Lake Gardens.
Later, she told me, “More than my car, they rescued me.”
2. Highway Horror
Arijit and his family were heading to Mandarmani for a weekend trip. Just outside Dhulagarh, their car refused to start after a tea break. No network. No help. Mosquitoes.
He finally climbed a flyover edge, found a signal bar, and Googled “emergency towing service near me.” One company called back in 4 minutes. A tow truck came from Howrah within 45 minutes, even though it was past 10 PM.
They made it to their hotel by midnight, and the car was dropped at a workshop by morning.
Lesson? Always keep a backup contact saved.
Smart Tips to Avoid Breakdowns and Needing a Tow
While it’s great to know who to call during a breakdown, wouldn’t it be even better to avoid the breakdown in the first place?
Here are some easy and quick tips that every car owner in Kolkata should follow:
Check your battery monthly – Especially before a long drive. Kolkata humidity drains batteries faster.
Get your car serviced regularly – Skipping those garage visits comes back to bite.
⛽ Never drive with low fuel – It can damage the fuel pump.
Listen to your car’s sounds – Whirring, knocking, or clicking are warning signs.
Avoid driving through deep water – A common monsoon mistake. Water in the engine = big trouble.
Keep a basic emergency kit – Includes jumper cables, flashlight, jack, and a phone charger.
Remember, sometimes it’s not about the car—it’s about being prepared. Keep your documents handy too—registration, insurance, and service records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is car towing service available 24×7 in Kolkata?
Yes, many reputed providers operate round the clock. Always confirm before depending on them for late-night emergencies.
2. Can towing damage my car?
Only if it’s done poorly. Reputed services in Kolkata use modern flatbeds or wheel-lift trucks and trained staff to avoid any scratches or mishandling.
3. What if my car breaks down on a flyover or highway?
Move to the shoulder (if possible), turn on hazard lights, and call a towing service immediately. Most trucks have highway permits and GPS to reach fast.
4. How long will it take for a tow truck to arrive?
Usually 20 to 45 minutes in city areas. Highway response might take longer depending on distance and traffic.
5. Do I have to go with the towing driver?
Not necessarily. You can follow them in a cab or ride along if the truck has passenger space (some allow it). Always check for safety.
6. What if my car is automatic or electric?
Then a flatbed tow truck is ideal. Towing EVs or automatics wrongly can damage the drivetrain or battery.
7. Can I pay via UPI or card?
Yes, most updated services in Kolkata accept Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and even card machines. Avoid cash-only operators—they’re often unprofessional.
8. Is towing covered by my car insurance?
Some insurance plans include roadside assistance, which covers free towing. Check with your insurer or see if your car’s policy mentions RSA.
Final Words: Kolkata Roads Are Crazy, So Be Prepared
Let’s face it—Kolkata is unpredictable. One minute you’re enjoying a smooth ride near Prince Anwar Shah Road, and the next your car just stops. And there’s nothing worse than feeling helpless in a sea of honking cars.
That’s why knowing about the right car towing service in Kolkata is like keeping a lifeguard on speed dial. You hope you never need it. But when you do—you’ll thank yourself.
So here’s your takeaway:
Save at least 2 towing contacts in your phone.
Do a monthly car health check.
Avoid shortcuts—call professionals when things go wrong.
Stay calm, call smart, and drive safe.
Because in Kolkata, where chaos is part of the rhythm, being ready is the best way to keep moving.