Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 04: It has been the continuous endeavor of Transport Department to improve the quality of Public Bus Transport being provided to the commuters. In one of the steps, the Transport Department augmented the quality of bus fleet in Shaheed Dweep sensing that overcrowding in the existing mini buses became a regular feature during school timings causing discomfort to school students and other commuters. Based on the request of PRIs and with the approval of Secretary (Transport) one long chassis bus was sent to Shaheed Dweep as only mini buses were plying in the Island. The first long chassis bus of Transport in Shaheed Dweep was flagged-off by Shri Vishwendra, Secretary (Transport) on Oct. 3, 2024 in a simple function. This milestone event is a significant step towards enhancing public transportation services in the region.
While flagging-off the bus, the Secretary (Transport) highlighted the critical role of the efficient Public Transport in addressing the transportation need of commuters particularly for school children, elderly and disabled. Under the guidance and direction of the Chief Secretary, the Department could procure 21 new buses, this year and then it was decided that the public bus transport in Shaheed Dweep would be augmented. He stated that the decision of allocating a new long chassis bus to Shaheed Dweep was taken specially to improve the travel comfort of school children as the existing mini buses do not have adequate capacity. “This new bus will significantly reduce congestion during peak hours, ensuring safer and more comfortable travel for our students,” he stated. “Commitment of the Department is to create a reliable, safe and efficient transportation system that caters to the needs of all citizens.” The new BS VI emission norms compliant bus wrapped with photo of beautiful spots of UT will also be significant in the transportation of tourists visiting this pristine island. He further urged the students to maintain the bus which is an important asset in its beautiful condition while using it. While addressing the grievances and suggestions presented by PRIs, Secretary (Transport) informed them about the progress made on these issues and also assured that all matters will be redressed in a time bound manner
The Assistant Commissioner of Swaraj Dweep, Shri Vikram Singh thanked the Transport Department for timely allocation of the new bus to meet the requirement of commuters. He also lauded the functioning of Transport Department in Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep not only for the scheduled bus operation but also for attending any unforeseen events promptly thereby helping the citizen at all time.
Welcoming the gathering, the Deputy Director, Shri B. Binoy, emphasized the importance of the occasion for the community as after establishment of the STS Unit in Shaheed Dweep in the year 2002 with only mini buses, it was the first long chassis bus allotted to the Island.
Smt. Champa Das, Pramukh, Prothrapur Panchayat Samiti, Smt. Pinky Das, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Shaheed Dweep and Shri Dasarat Verma Zilla Parishad Member, Shaheed Dweep while appreciating the efforts of Transport Department highlighted some of the issues pertaining to the residents of the Island.
The event concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Assistant Director (Transport.
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