Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 May 2024
State Transport Department has unveiled a new “Mini Bus Terminus” at Campbell Bay, aimed at enhancing the reliability, comfort, and sustainability of public transport for the residents of these islands. The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, inaugurated the terminus virtually from the A&N Secretariat conference hall on 24th May 2024.
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Transport), Mr. Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Secretary (Transport), Mr. Vishwendra, and other senior officers. Participating virtually from Campbell Bay were the Assistant Commissioner, heads of various departments, and local residents.
In his address, the Chief Secretary congratulated Campbell Bay residents on acquiring a spacious and architecturally designed bus terminus. He praised the officers of the Transport and PWD for their planning and timely execution of the project. Currently, Campbell Bay has 11 buses, but the Chief Secretary assured that the number will increase gradually. He emphasized that the new terminus will provide much-needed facilities, especially during the rainy season, allowing residents to comfortably access buses to different locations.
The Chief Secretary also called for the proper upkeep and maintenance of the new facility, urging the local populace to keep the premises clean and well-maintained. He interacted with the Assistant Commissioner of Campbell Bay to discuss additional requirements for the Transport Department in the area.
Secretary (Transport) Mr. Vishwendra, in his welcome address, highlighted the significance of the new terminus. He mentioned that STS Campbell Bay operates 11 buses on six routes with an average daily ridership of 710 passengers. The terminus is a crucial part of a multimodal transport system, enhancing connectivity for pedestrians, ship-bound passengers, and automobiles, and facilitating seamless travel across the bus network.
The construction of the bus terminus, which includes a waiting hall and transit accommodation, cost Rs. 2.38 crores. The facility features a waiting hall for 100 passengers, two bus parking bays, an oil room, an office room, a garage, an enquiry counter on the ground floor, and an RTO office on the first floor. Additionally, there are provisions for officers’ rooms, a dormitory with ten beds, a kitchen, and a store room.
The Director of Transport, Dr. Jatinder Sohal, proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.
The completion and inauguration of the Mini Bus Terminus are expected to promote holistic development in this remote island, making the public transport system more organized, integrated, and inter-modal. This facility aims to ensure convenient, economical, reliable, and safe mobility for the local population, including school children, office workers, and patients. It is anticipated to improve living standards, reduce logistics costs, create employment opportunities, and catalyze economic development by boosting travel and trade.