Manipur CM launches seven new city bus routes

After the successful launch of a helicopter service to Jiribam in Manipur, Chief Minister N.Biren Singh has taken another step to improve the transport service in the state.

Considering the inconvenience faced by those residing in far-flung and interior areas in traveling to state capital Imphal, seven new city bus routes buses were flagged off under the aegis of Manipur State Transport (MST).

Iterating the future prospects to expand the state bus transport N. Biren Singh said, "Immediately after coming to power within three months, we revived Manipur State Transport. During that time, we could provide only 6 route whereas, we required about 15/16 areas. But today, after one year, we can increase the transport service to some far-flung areas."

Dr. Elangbam David Singh, Additional Director Manipur State Transport added, "The first phase of inter-district MST bus service was launched for six routes last year. However, passenger service to Pherzawl was discontinued due to poor roads in the interior of the district"

The rejuvenated bus services will be operational in seven new routes at Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Khuman Lampak in Imphal East District. The new bus route service will connect the state capital with the remote hill towns of Jessami in Ukhrul district, Kamjong in Kamjong district, Nungba, Tamei and Tamenglong in Tamenglong districts, Khoupum in Money district.

According to reports, the State Transport Department is also putting in dedicated efforts to introduce helicopter services to Tamenglong and Moreh.

A commuter from Kamjong, Phareipham, said, "Singh urged locals to treat the drivers and handymen of MST inter-district bus services with love and respect and further opined that unnecessary harassment may give discouragement to those serving the public with dedication and devotion."

"MST has so far transported 3, 85,160 passengers and earned 1.63 crore rupees in the last 382 days till October; whereas, the annual revenue of the department is around 35-40 rupees crore a year. But here the main objective of reviving MST is not earning profit but to serve public," added Transport Commissioner M. Lakhsmikumar.