IMPHAL: Chief Minister N Biren Singh 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 East District today.
The routes are Imphal-Jessami, Imphal-Khoupum, Imphal-Nungba, Imphal-Kamjong, Imphal-Tamenglong, Imphal-Tamei and Airport Express (ISBT to Imphal Airport).
N Biren Singh, 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, the chief minister informed.
N Biren Singh also announced that after the successful launch of helicopter service to Jiribam, the State transport department is putting in dedicated effort to introduce helicopter service to Tamenglong and Moreh as well from October 29, 2018.
Trial sorties and landings for these new routes would be conducted on October 25, he added.
The chief minister also said, there would be no holiday for the existing helicopter service to Jiribam on November 7, 9 and 10 in view of Ningol Chakkouba festival.
The chief minister also 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.
N Biren also made his earnest appeal to the media to do authenticated and balanced reporting regarding the services introduced by the State transport department.
Commissioner (transport) 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.
It may be mentioned that after the State Government included revival of MST bus service in its 100-days programme, chief minister N Biren Singh launched the first phase of inter-district and city bus services on June 24 last year.