Port Blair, Dec 14: The A&N Administration is constantly improving the quality of public transport not only by inducting better quality buses but also with improved infrastructure & other allied facilities for the commuters. In line with this, the Department of Transport has renovated and upgraded the oldest Bus Terminus in the City at Mohanpura into a fully air-conditioned one. This fully air-conditioned ‘Waiting Hall’ was inaugurated by the Secretary (Transport), Mr. Binay Bhushan as the chief guest by unveiling the plaque to mark its inauguration at a function held at the Bus Terminus Complex here today.
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, Director Transport, Dr. Navlendra Kumar Singh, Senior officers of the A&N Administration, officials of the Transport Department and general public were present on the occasion by adhering to the COVID-19 norms.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary, Transport complimented the Transport Department for upgrading the waitinghall into a fully air-conditioned one by providing all basic requirements inside it which is in fact the need of the hour. The Secretary said, A&N Administration is committed towards improving public transport system so that people are attracted more towards such transport system and ultimately help in minimizing the use of individual vehicles on road. This will also help in controlling traffic jams and reducing emission from vehicles to a great extent, the Secretary added.
Speaking as the guest of honour, the Deputy Commissioner said public transport system is the lifeline of the people in A&N Islands. Moving towards de-dieselization, the A&N Administration has introduced e-vehicles in Govt. Offices. The Transport Department has introduced AC buses in different routes and now 40 e-buses will be joining the fleet shortly which, he said, is a welcome step. He also complimented the Transport Department for timely action for infrastructure development of public transport.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Director Transport said that better and attractive public transport service plays a vital/important role in the economic development of a place. Pollution free atmosphere, less fatality rate, reduction in traffic congestion, minimizing vehicle parking hassles, freedom of travel in a good ambience and good social connect are the other benefits of using public transport apart from a stress & hassle free journey, he said. Understanding the requirement of the commuters of public transport and to motivate other personal vehicle users to move towards public transport, the Department planned to move with time and create upgraded facilities for the commuters. The Department is concentrating more on infrastructure development in different parts of the Islands so that the commuters are benefitted out of it, the Director added. He also appealed to the Media as well as general public to suggest measures to improve the public transport and also sought ideas to ensure that all parts of the city are well connected by quality public transport by way of proper bus scheduling.
The newly created AC waiting hall with an area of 387.6 sq mtrs is having TV screens displaying departure timing of buses for the benefit of commuters, CCTV cameras for enhanced security, a beautifully crafted Baby Care Room, small cafeteria etc. The waiting hall also has TV screens on all four sides of the wall for displaying entertainment programs for the waiting passengers. It can accommodate seating of 200 persons at a time. The bus terminus handles about 4 to 5 thousand passengers/commuters daily. All basic amenities like purified drinking water, wash room facilities, ramps & rails for divyangs etc have been ensured in the Terminus. The Department is maintaining a fleet of 284non AC buses and 20 air conditioned buses (on hire) which are providing bus service covering the length & breadth of these Islands.
The inauguration function concluded with the word of thanks proposed by the Deputy Director, transport, Mr. B. Binoy.
