Port Blair, April 29:In its efforts towards providing better Public Transport Service, Transport Department, A&N Administration has developed a spacious single storied Bus Terminus and Parking Space for thepeopleof Bambooflat and its adjoining areas. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS inaugurated the much needed facility by unveiling the plaque as the chief guestalongwith Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma in the presence of Commissioner-cum-Secretary(Transport) Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Sanjay Singh, Secretary Transport, ShriVishwendra, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Smt. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Senior Officers of A&N Administration, PRI members and large number of residents of the area. The Chief Secretary also flagged off a newe-bus service connecting Bambooflat-Chunnabatta- Ferrargunjsynhronised with the boat service which not only marked the opening of the Bus Terminus but also the first e-bus to operate from the newly built Bus Terminus.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary, at the outset, congratulated the Senior Officers of the Administration, Transport Department, officials of the APWD, and PRI members for their constant effort which led to the development of the spacious and required public utility infrastructure in the form of Bus Terminus and Parking Space in Bambooflat area. The Chief Secretary further stated that the commissioning of this facility has fulfilled the long pending demand of the public of the area and this Bus Terminal will be of immense use for the general public of Bambooflat and its adjoining areas. He mentioned that the tourist spots in this area will be further developed once the Chunna Bhatta and North Bay road construction work is completed.This Bus Terminus has the potential to become a transport hub as it will cater to the needs of tourists visiting the tourist locations like Shoal Bay and Mount Manipur. Bus services to the tourist spots will further boost tourism in this area, the CS remarked.
The Chief Secretary said that Public Transport Service is vital and all the developed Nations have given thrust to provide good Public Transport Services to commuters. In the same line, the Public Transport Service here in A&N Islands too will further be strengthened, he said. Apart from the Bus Terminus, a spacious Parking Facility has also been created in the complex which can accommodate 27 cars and 170 two- wheelers, he said. This, the Chief Secretary said, will not only decongest the Bambooflat Jetty area but also provide shelter to the commuters from scorching heat and rain.
Concluding his speech, the Chief Secretary urged the people to take care of this public asset and do every bit to keep the entire Complex spic and span.
Speaking on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma congratulated the A&N Administration for developing this project and said that the newly inaugurated Bus Terminus will be helpfulfor the people from North Bay, Shoal Bay uptoTushnabad.He said, this project was visualized in the year 2011-12 which has been completed today at a cost of approximate Rs. 3.3 crores and will surely go a long way in easing the congestion in the Bambooflat jetty area and streamlining of public transport system in this area. He further mentioned that with the Bus Terminus becoming functional, not only the area will witness an increase in the number of tourists in the coming days, but also the living standards of the local population will be enhanced.
Speaking on the occasion, the Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Sanjay Singh said that the construction of the new Bus Terminus has fulfilled the long pending demand of the people of Bambooflat area. He said, the bus passengers will be greatly benefitted from this asset as they got an earmarked space for availing bus service. He appreciated the effort of the Chief Secretary for strengthening road infrastructures in different parts of these Islands. He also praised the APWD for creating an aesthetic Bus Terminus Building.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Secretary (Transport), Shri Vishwendrasaid that foundation for this project was laid as per the demand of the PRIs of the area. The District Administrationset apart the land surrendered by the Panchayat measuring8000 sqmt.for the execution of this project. The Parking space was developed at an area of 1500 sqmts and Bus Terminus was developed covering an area of 6500sqmts. This Bus Terminus has all the basic amenities for commuters and will cater to the nearby 18 Panchayats in the Tehsil. The newly flagged off bus service will provide an enhanced public transport to the commuters covering 3 routes viz. Chunnabatta, Bambooflat&Ferrargunjand the passengers availing the ferries will be immensely benefitted. He said that the Bus Terminus has the capacity to accommodate 100 commuters with comfortable seating capacity and separate wash rooms for females, Divyangs and males. It houses express bus Ticketing Counters, Enquiry Counters, Six Departure Bays for Buses, Resting Place for the crews etc. The Secretary, Transport further added that this Bus Terminus will be a major access point for the tourists and Islanders visiting Mount Manipur and Shoal Bay & otherplaces of tourist interest.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Deputy Director, Transport, Shri B. Binoy.
