Seven new interstate bus routes operational, promises more chopper services

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, October 24, 2018: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday flagged off the second phase of Manipur State Transport (MST) passenger bus service which will be operational in seven new routes at Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Khuman Lampak in Imphal.

The bus routes are Imphal-Jessami, Imphal-Khoupum, Imphal-Nungba, Imphal-Kamjong, Imphal-Tamenglong, Imphal-Tamei and Airport Express (ISBT to Imphal Airport).

Biren, who also holds transport portfolio, said public transport service under the aegis of MST was revived with a noble intent to solve the inconvenience faced by the people residing in far-flung and interior areas in travelling to the state capital.

The chief minister said the first phase of inter-district MST bus service was launched for six routes on June 24 last year. However, passenger service to Pherzawl was discontinued due to unsuitability of the bus with the road condition of the interior district, he added. However, the bus service on this route would be resumed soon with the purchase of a high-floor bus, he added.

Biren Singh also announced that after the successful launch of helicopter service from Imphal to Jiribam, the state transport department is putting in dedicated effort to introduce helicopter service to Tamenglong and Moreh as well from October 29. Trial sorties and landings for these new routes would be conducted on October 25, he added.

The chief minister also said that there would be no holiday for the existing helicopter service to Jiribam on November 7, 9 and 10 in view of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

He appealed to the people to treat the drivers and handymen of MST inter-district bus services with love and respect so that they may reciprocate with dedicated service for the people. He opined that unnecessary harassments may give discouragement to the drivers and handymen who are serving the public with devotion.

Transport commissioner M. Lakhsmikumar said the newly revived Manipur State Transport could earn Rs. 1.63 crore in the past one year till October 20. Stating that the main objective of reviving MST was not for earning profit but for public service, the commissioner said that 12 more buses would be added to the fleet of the transport agency for the convenience of the public.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister Karam Shyam, public health engineering minister L. Dikho, forest and environment minister Th. Shyamkumar, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairperson L. Radhakishore, MLAs Awangbou Newmai, Samual Jendai, Khashim Vashum, K. Leishiyo, Paonam Brojen, Y. Surchandra, L. Susindro, Ksh. Biren, Th. Bira, K. Indrajit, Ashab Uddin, Heikham Dingo and chief secretary Dr. J. Suresh Babu also attended the function among others.

The new BJP led state government included revival of MST bus service in its 100-days programme and Biren launched the first phase of inter-district and city bus services last year.