Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 04 March 2024
In a bid to address the growing concerns over the deteriorating state of State Transport Service (STS) buses in Little Andaman Island, Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has called for immediate action.
In a letter directed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Sharma emphasised the pressing need for intervention in response to alarming reports from the public regarding the substandard condition of many STS buses.
Numerous complaints have flooded in, citing various issues such as torn seat covers, missing seats, and excessive noise emanating from windows and frames during travel, severely compromising the comfort and safety of passengers. Of particular concern are reports indicating that STS buses used for transporting school students are in a particularly poor condition, raising significant safety concerns for students.
Recognising the crucial role of public transportation in ensuring accessibility and mobility for citizens, Sharma has called for an immediate plan to replace all old buses in Little Andaman with new ones in a phased manner. Additionally, he proposed that the old buses be relocated to Port Blair for comprehensive repair works to enhance their longevity and efficiency.
The move comes as a response to mounting public dissatisfaction and safety concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the STS buses, highlighting the necessity for urgent action to address the issue and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, especially school students.