Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 23: MP Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, along with Mr. Bishnu Pada Mondal, Panchayat Samiti Member (Urmilapur Constituency), and Mr. Yaghambaram, Pradhan Calicut met the Director, State Transport Service (STS) to review and discuss the enhancement of transportation services in North & Middle Andaman. During the discussion, the Director (STS) informed that by the end of January 2026, a total of 07 new buses will be added to the STS fleet. Out of these, 02 each will be allotted to Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur 01 bus to Baratang STS units to strengthen the public transportation network in these regions.
To address the issue of manpower shortage for operating the bus services across the Islands, the Director further informed that 73 Drivers and 96 Bus Conductors are being engaged through GeM, with payment of admissible wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. He also informed that 18 appointments to the eligible persons under compassionate grounds have been provided against suitable posts, a step that has not been taken in the last 20 years, marking a significant administrative action by the Department.
Regarding the request for a new bus route to Calicut, as raised by the Pradhan of Calicut, the Director assured that necessary arrangements will be made after reviewing the existing routes where STS buses are already operating in the area.
Observing the prompt and positive response of the Director, Hon’ble MP appreciated the efforts of the STS Department for their commitment towards improving the transportation services across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
