DIPR
Imphal, June 24: After the State Government decided to revive public transport in the State under its 100-days programme with the name, Manipur State Transport, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched inter-district and city bus services today . He flagged off the bus services from the complex of erstwhile Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSR TC), Moirangkhom, Imphal. The main function of the launching ceremony was organised by the State Transport Department at ISBT complex, Dewlahland from where the Chief Minister also flagged off a bus of city bus service. N. Biren Singh attended the function as the chief guest and Parliamentary Secretary (Transport) Khashim Vashum as the functional president. Speaking at the occasion, N Biren expressed confidence that the newly revived public transport system would be successful. The Chief Minister also expressed happiness on launching the service on the eve of Eid-Ul Fitre and on being coincided by the occasion with Rath Yatra festival. Stating that inter-district bus services for the remaining districts would also be launched soon, the Chief Minister said that the State Government would procure necessary buses for the said purpose at the earliest. Observing that connectivity is a must to restore emotional integration, N. Biren urged the people to take MST as their own property . He further opined that transparency would bring trust, and trust would further build up unity among people of different communities. Works Minister Th. Biswajit, CAF and PD Minister Karam Shyam, MAHUD Minister Th. Shyamkumar , Tribal and Hill Areas Development Minister N. Kayisii, IFCD Minister Letpao Haokip and Education Minister Th. Radheshyam also attended the function as presidium members. Parliamentary Secretaries, Advisor to CM Rajat Sethi, Transport Commissioner M. Lakshmikumar and other top ranking police and civil officials were also present at the occasion. Th. Biswajit while speaking at the occasion said that the Centre is ready to sanction additional funds under PMGSY to develop the roads of every nook and corner of the State. As the Transport Department had launched public transport system, Works Department would also put in all possible efforts to keep the roads in tip-top condition for the convenience of the public. He also lauded Chief Minister N. Biren for initiating the idea of Government’ s 100-days programme. The Minister said that the programme had motivated the Ministers and officials to deliver progress within a stipulated time. It may be mentioned that in the first phase, MST will operate city bus service in two routes, both originating from ISBT , Dewlahland. The transport agency would also initially have Imphal-Noney , Imphal-Moreh, Imphal- Kakching, Imphal-Y airipok, Imphal-Moirang and Imphal- Pherzawl inter-district bus services. The proposed fleet size of the agency is around 150 buses to be achieved in three phases. Initially , purchase of five buses has been approved by the Government. In the first phase, the fleet size will be of 15 buses including ten semi-low floor buses.
