Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 August 2025
The newly constructed office building for the State Transport Service (STS) Unit in Ferrargunj, the second largest STS unit in the Union Territory after Sri Vijaya Puram, was inaugurated on 14th August 2025, marking a significant upgrade in public transport infrastructure for the region. The unit serves commuters across 19 Panchayats under Ferrargunj Tehsil.
The inauguration was performed by Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Transport), in the presence of Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Transport), and Dr. Jatinder Sohal, Director of Transport. The event was attended by local PRIs and a large number of residents.
The new office replaces the old two-room facility that had been in use since the previous office building was dismantled, a situation that caused inconvenience to both employees and the public. The construction of the new building was part of the Transport Department’s action plan and completed by the APWD.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Yadav praised the department for delivering a modern, well-designed facility tailored to public needs. She emphasized that public transport is more than a service for commuting—it strengthens social connections and fosters community growth. She also expressed confidence in the department’s plans for fleet expansion, new routes, improved services, and manpower augmentation, underscoring that services should always reflect the real needs of the public. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary added that the building could also serve broader community purposes when required.
Ms. Jyoti Kumari highlighted the critical role of State Transport Services in connecting remote areas of the Islands. She noted the department’s recent efforts to address bus and manpower shortages through new bus purchases and additional staff hiring. In the past month, the Ferrargunj Unit operated 95,233 km and served 97,238 passengers. She also highlighted the launch of a new bus route linking North Bay with Bambooflat by road for the first time.
Earlier, Dr. Sohal welcomed the dignitaries and attendees, stating that the new office would enhance the department’s ability to provide public transport services. He added that requests and grievances from the public, received through PRIs, are addressed proactively to improve efficiency. He also appreciated the PRIs’ efforts in supporting the department’s services.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Director of the Transport Department. (Story Based on PR)
