Port Blair, Feb 04: The Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM commissioned a modern new bus terminus with various facilities for the commuters at Rangat. This has been a long cherished dream of the people of North & Middle Andaman District. The Lt. Governor also flagged off one STS bus from the new terminus.
While addressing the gathering, the Lt. Governor stated that public transport plays a vital role in the development of these islands and it was one of the important lifelines for the district of North & Middle Andaman. The Administration has been making every effort to ensure connectivity by providing motorable roads. More than 20,000 people travel daily through STS buses which are operated in 14 STS units from Diglipur in the North and Campbell Bay in the South. Lt. Governor stressed that the improvement of public transport will reduce the number of private vehicles which create traffic congestion particularly in densely populated areas. While private bus operators are also encouraged to supplement the public transport system, the Administration is putting more and more medium size buses to cater to the requirement even on non-commercially attractive routes so that qualitative service at affordable rates are made available to the public.
The Lt. Governor also stated that one Driving Training School will also be set up at Rangat to provide training to the aspiring drivers which will reduce accidents and provide employment opportunities to local people.
The Lt. Governor also asked the officials to ensure that punctuality of the scheduled trips is maintained to provide reliable services besides ensuring cleanliness and sanitation which should be given a top priority in the premises of the new bus terminus. The Lt. Governor stated that all possible care should be given to the commuters particularly the women, children, physically challenged and the aged. Food Kiosks should also be set up in the terminus which also has the facility of a cloak room.
The Lt. Governor also stated that special emphasis was being given to the tourism development in North & Middle Andaman district, particularly at Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur in the XII Five Year Plan. The Lt. Governor also assured the people that the Administration was making all out efforts to improve ATR and to create wayside amenities at different places on the ATR. He assured that special emphasis will be given to the North & Middle Andaman district for its overall development.
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