Port Blair, Dec 07: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma called on the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on last Monday and raised several issues. Among other issues, the Member of Parliament requested the Lt. Governor to induct at least 20 more new buses in State Transport Service so that problems being faced by Islanders of far flung Islands can be minimized.
He informed the Lt. Governor that during his recent visit to North, Middle and South Andaman villages as well as Nicobar District he has personally witnessed that the buses of State Transport Service are in deplorable state and many of the STS buses are irreparable.
He pointed out that everyday thousands and thousands of people in various far flung Islands depend on these buses to reach their offices, schools, colleges, hospital, market etc and due to the present condition of the STS buses they are going through severe mental and physical pain. Many buses, with leakages on the roof, missing windows, broken seats are being pressed into service, which can lead to a fatal accident anytime, he added.
The Member of Parliament mentioned that in far flung Islands where everyone can’t afford a car or hire an auto, the STS buses are the lifeline but the STS buses are now becoming a threat to passengers life. School Children are suffering the worst because of this situation.
He added that while Islanders living in South Andaman have options of travelling in private buses, AC buses and Green (Electric) Buses, people of far flung Islands do not have that many choices.
Considering the hardship being faced by people of all three Districts, he requested the Lt. Governor to induct at least 20 more new buses in State Transport Service so that problems being faced by Islanders of remote Islands can be minimized.
