CM Biren felicitate transport staff on winning National award

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, November 8, 2018: The staff of Manipur State Transport (MST) was today feted by Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on being conferred the ‘Commendable Initiative’ award to the state transport department by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs in the category of the Best City Bus Service project.

The honour was given for the re-introduction and efficient operation of public transport in the State with the revival of MST. The ministry in the commendation certificate of the award mentioned that the MST project had marked a beginning of efficient private partnership in the hills for operation of affordable inter and intra city bus services. It is also providing a cheaper alternative to the relatively expensive services provided by private operators. The project has also potential to relieve traffic congestion.

The award was handed over during the 11^th Urban Mobility India Conference cum Expo 2018 held from November 2 to 4, 2018 at Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The chief minister said the National level award was given in recognition of their dedication and hard work. He said after the revival of public transport service, people from different parts of the state have been requesting the state government to introduce MST bus service in their districts/villages as well.

Stating that majority of the people in the State is still poverty-stricken, Biren said MST bus service had become a boon to needy people. The government is considering to introduce services in many other routes as well, said the chief ministerwho also holds transport portfolio.

The chief minister handed over the trophy and commendation certificate of the award to transport commissioner M. Lakshmikumar and director C. Arthur Worchuiyo.

MST was revived by the state government on June 25, 2017 consequent upon a state Cabinet meeting. In the first phase, MST started with an initial fleet size of 16 buses (10 semi-low floor buses and six newly procured Ultra Star Buses).

On October 24 the chief minister flagged off the second phase of MST bus service, which was operational in seven new routes i.e. Imphal-Jessami, Imphal-Khoupum, Imphal-Nungba, Imphal-Kamjong, Imphal-Tamenglong, Imphal-Tamei and Airport Express. MST had earned a total revenue of Rs. 1,63,42,596 as on October 20.