R Karthik Raja
Chainpur, June 30: A major accident was narrowly avoided this morning when an STS (State Transport Service) bus returning from Chainpur to Mayabunder lost control and veered into roadside debris. The bus had departed from Mayabunder at 8:30 AM and was returning with approximately 30 passengers. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM near Bajota.
According to local residents, the driver made every effort to control the vehicle, but due to the poor condition of the road and the lack of shoulder space, he was unable to regain control. Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured, and all escaped safely — something many consider a miracle.
Shockingly, as per the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Chainpur, even after the incident, no alternative bus was provided to help the stranded passengers reach their destination. This reflects a clear lack of preparedness and concern by the STS Department, Mayabunder, regarding passenger safety and welfare.
Following the incident, Mr. Johnson Kerketta, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Chainpur, stated that the road between Bajota and Chainpur is extremely narrow and in a dilapidated state. There is no proper road shoulder, nor is there sufficient space for buses to safely pull over or give way, increasing the risk of such accidents.
Mr. Kerketta mentioned that he has repeatedly requested the APWD to repair the road, both through official letters and discussions during Gram Sabha meetings. However, the department has not taken any concrete action so far. Overgrown shrubs and low-hanging tree branches continue to pose serious hazards to daily commuters.
He also highlighted the deteriorating state of the STS Unit in Mayabunder, noting the following concerns:
The unit currently has only 7 buses, of which 3 are new and the remaining date back to 2015–2016. Some buses lack basic seating arrangements and are in very poor condition.
These buses are in urgent need of repair, both mechanically and structurally.
There is a severe shortage of drivers, conductors, and workshop staff, which has forced the department to cut down on previously running routes.
In response to this entire matter, Mr. Johnson Kerketta has submitted a formal letter to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration on June 30, drawing attention to the issue. He has called for the immediate provision of new buses, appointment of essential staff, and urgent action by the APWD to restore the road condition and prevent any future tragedies.
