IT News
Imphal, Feb. 1:
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) today submitted a memorandum to the Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh regarding the very grave issue of deplorable condition of public transportation in Manipur. It should be noted that the pathetic state of public transportation has led to the private bus operators holding sway in the transport sector, thereby posing immense problems for the common people.
The memorandum drew the attention of the Chief Minister in connection with the huge lack of public transportation in the state. It stated that the scarce number of public buses provides various opportunities to the private bus operators to charge hefty amounts for travel. Moreover, the problem of lack of safe and adequate public transportation has compounded due to a steep increase in travel fares recently by the private bus operators. The phenomenon of unchecked rise in bus fares has been persisting in the state for a long time now.
In addition to the dismal bus services, the problem of high fares of the small transport vehicles such as diesel autos, Tata Magic, Winger, etc. is particularly excruciating. These small transport vehicles are generally used for intra-city travel and known to extort high fares. Moreover, the services of these vehicles are not even regulated by the government. The students and other commuters have to shell out at least Rs.200 for a daily commute within cities. It is therefore imperative to take immediate steps to ensure government subsidised transportation for the common people in Manipur.
Regarding the above issues, NEFIS in the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister demanded that the number of government-run buses and other public transportation should be immediately increased and the hike in travel fares by the private bus operators should be immediately withdrawn. It was also demanded that the fares of small transport vehicles should be regulated by the government and Government-run buses should be ensured on every route within cities and between various parts of the state. To ensure safe travel for women special public buses for women should be plied on all routes. Also, concessional passes should be issued to workers, students and women, and they should be made valid for private buses also.
