Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 18
NAGALAND State Transport (NST) is gearing to enhance its network soon following commissioning of an additional twenty new buses. The buses were commissioned this afternoon in the office premises of the Additional Chief Engineer (Automobile), at the NST Central Workshop, Tata Parking, Dimapur. This should boost the deprived State public transport services and prove to be a boon to people particularly in rural areas of the State. With this input they can look forward to a little more comfort this winter while travelling on roads in need of dire repair.
The newly commissioned public buses comprise of eight (8) Super Deluxe, ten (10) Semi Deluxe and two (2) Mini Buses. The buses were procured with the stipulated budget amounting to Rs 4.5 crores which was made available with the department during the fiscal year 2012-13.
Interacting with media persons, Additional General Manager, Senti Pongener, said the body of the buses were constructed from a renowned firm namely Amar Coach Builders in Jalandhar city, Punjab. He expressed satisfaction that the firm kept their word and delivered the vehicles during peak travel season. Besides, he also said two mini buses were built by RD Body Builders and Automobiles, Khatkhati, Assam.
While acknowledging immense pressures from various districts for new buses, Senti Pongener, expressed skepticism to meet all the demands.
The transport department is keen to operate these new buses solely on lucrative routes for the department. As such two Super Deluxe buses have been earmarked to operate between Kohima and Shillong.
The new buses were commissioned by senior pastor Rev. Shiwoto Sema, who also said the dedicatory prayer. In his exhortation, Rev. Shiwoto has urged the NST Department to be different from other departments by fully committing to public service, saying “customers’ satisfaction should be your satisfaction.’
Other dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Additional Chief Engineer R. Nrio Lotha; Joint General Manager Howoto Sema; Senior Automobile Engineer Er. Atovi Kiba; Joint Manager OE Yanthan; and other departmental staff.
