John Wilbert & Rabindranath Biswas
Port Blair, Dec 19: The STS Units of N & M Andaman are plagued with defunct buses and which has become a challenge for them to provide a smooth service to the commuters.
As per report, a number of buses of several STS Units of North and Middle Andaman are in horrible shape, which in turn is compromising its service. “The STS buses are outdated, some of the buses are with roof leakages and water drips from the roof of the buses in rainy season while seats are in cruelly broken condition that are not all seating worthy, in fact, we have to undergo nightmarish experiences on board the STS buses”, a passenger lamented.
Breakdown of STS buses is a common issue in Rangat area. Passengers travelling by these buses have to face great difficulties in such events, they bemoaned.
When contacted, an official of the STS Department said that the buses are no doubt a little old but the condition of the ATR Road/NH4 is so bad that the STS buses are getting damaged soon after their repair.
As per norms, a bus after its maiden launch should fairly run 04 Lakhs Kilometer in its maximal capacity, while most of the buses have overrun of its limit by 6 more lakhs km and this is one of the prime reasons of this situation, the official further revealed.
The STS Units carry out the minor repair works on their own, but when it comes to major repairing, they have to outsource/float tenders and which is not always possible and the reasons behind these constraints are better known by the concerned depts./authorities.
Despite the given facts, the STS Units are doing their level best to provide better services to the commuters, the official of the STS Department claimed.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has recently 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.
