Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 11 September 2023
In a bid to address the pressing transportation issues faced by residents of Great Nicobar, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, and Mr. E S Rajesh, Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti, Campbell Bay, held a meeting with Mr. Vishwendra, Secretary-Cum-Director of Transport, Andaman and Nicobar Administration on September 11, 2023.
During the meeting, the leaders highlighted the dire state of STS Buses operating on local routes in the region, causing significant inconvenience to the local population. They also brought to Mr. Vishwendra’s attention the long-standing anticipation of two new buses allocated by the department to the STS Unit in Campbell Bay.
Mr. Vishwendra reassured the leaders that progress was underway in addressing these concerns. He conveyed that the tender for the transportation of the new buses had already been initiated, and as soon as the tender process is finalised, the buses would be dispatched to Great Nicobar Island on the next available cargo ship.
In response to this update, Mr. E S Rajesh, Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti, Campbell Bay, informed the Nicobar Times that the anticipated arrival of the new buses was expected by the end of September 2023, providing much-needed relief to the region’s residents.
Additionally, in a move to alleviate any future transportation woes, Mr. E S Rajesh disclosed that the Secretary-Cum-Director had also committed to repairing and utilising the existing old buses within the STS Unit at Campbell Bay in addition to the new buses. This measure is aimed at enhancing public convenience.
The meeting between the local leaders and Mr. Vishwendra signifies a positive step towards resolving the transportation issues that have plagued Great Nicobar Island. Residents can now look forward to improved bus services, addressing their long-standing concerns about accessibility and mobility within the region.