‘City bus fares more reasonable and affordable than exorbitant auto rickshaw fares’
Dimapur, Sep. 13 (EMN): A tribal students’ organisation in Dimapur has requested the Dimapur district administration to resume bus services in the city. The Ao Students’ Union of Dimapur (ASUD) has lauded the establishment of the deputy commissioner for their prompt action in introducing bus services in response to agitating auto rickshaw drivers.
The ASUD issued a press release on Wednesday stating that bus transportation fares were more reasonable for the public unlike the exorbitant and often ‘fluctuating’ fares charged by the auto rickshaw.
Besides, the union reminded, city bus transport will be a welcome change that will ease the woes of Dimapur citizens to a great extent.
“ASUD would also like to laud the efforts of Shri. Kesonye Yhome (IAS), deputy commissioner, Dimapur during the recent bandh called by the autodrivers union, by introducing city bus services for the convenience of the citizens,” the press release began.
‘The organisation would like to make a request for resumption of city buses at / from strategic locations since their rates are fixed at reasonable prices and have proved to be a more reliable means of transport especially for the student community,’ the Ao students stated.
The union noted that auto-rickshaw ‘rides’ are often exhorbitant and “keeps fluctuating.” On the other hand, buses provide easier and cheaper means of travel to the public, the organisation stated.
“In light of the above statements, it is hoped that bus transport, if resumed, will be a welcome change while easing travel woes of Dimapurians to a great extent,” the union added.
‘19 cr. for Tajen Ao road, but work is unsatisfactory’
Also, the Ao students sought attention to the 'nature' of 'improvement work' on the Tajen Ao Road in Dimapur.
‘It is disheartening to notice that even after the release of a staggering amount of 19.4 crore rupees, the workmanship remains scant and unsatisfactory. Moreover, it appears as though the construction firm / company is in a hurry to complete the project; in the process, the quality of road has been compromised,’ the union stated in the same press release.
The union remarked that the office of the chief engineer of the Public Works Department (roads and bridges) had, in one of its press releases, mentioned "The plying of heavy laden vehicles especially carriage of sand from Assam side was also a major reason which caused damage to the road."
By giving such a statement, the union questioned, “Is the department expressing that it is not capable of maintaining sturdy roads over which trucks transporting sand and other essentials can ply upon?” To claim that trucks from Assam are one of the reasons for the deteriorating condition of the road is ‘absolutely ridiculous,’ the union declared.
“Instead of taking the public for a ride by making lame excuses, the department should admit to the fact that it has failed to perform its duties; this is not the first time its corrupt actions have been exposed in the public realm.”
The organisation has reminded that good roads, like all other basic amenities, are part of ‘citizens' prerogatives.’ To be denied the facility tantamount to abject violation of human rights, the students reminded.
“It is the commuters in general and students in particular, who suffer silently on a daily basis due to the deplorable condition of our roads. The patience of the public has been put to the ultimate test as a result of the numerous crises that have surfaced in our state in recent times. After all the hardships the public have put up with, the last thing we deserve is a slap on our faces in the form of bad roads.”
Further, the ASUD stated to have been monitoring the work in progress closely over said stretch of road and that it shall not remain a ‘mute spectator.’
“The office hopes that the respective councils of the localities along Tajen Ao Road will also step in and continue to ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the laid-down protocol and the concerned contractor(s) be made responsible for ensuring durable, all-weather roads,” the press release added.
