MST staff feted
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 08 2018:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh feted the staff of Manipur State Transport (MST) on being conferred the Commendable Initiative Award to the State Transport Department by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the category of the Best City Bus Service Project.
The honour was given for the re-introduction and efficient operation of public transport in the State with the revival of Manipur State Transport (MST).
The commendation certificate given the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs says "The MST project had marked a beginning of efficient private partnership in the hills for operation of affordable inter and intra city bus services.
It is also providing a cheaper alternative to the relatively expensive services provided by private operators.
The project has also potential to relieve traffic congestion".
The award was handed over during the 11th Urban Mobility India Conference cum Expo 2018 held from November 2 to 4, 2018 at Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the staff and officials of the State Transport Department and MST on achieving the feat.
He said that the National level award was given in recognition of their dedication and hard work.
He said that after the revival of public transport service, people from different parts of the State have been requesting the State Government to introduce MST bus service in their districts/villages as well.
Stating that majority of the people in the State is still poverty-stricken, the Chief Minister said that MST bus service had become a boon to needy people.
The Government is considering to introduce services in many other routes as well, said the Chief Minister, who also holds Transport portfolio.
Later, the Chief Minister handed over the trophy and commendation certificate of the award to Commissioner (Transport) M Lakshmikumar and Director (Transport) C Arthur Worchuiyo.
It may be mentioned that MST was revived by the State Government on June 25, 2017 consequent upon a State Cabinet meeting.
In the first phase, MST started with an initial fleet size of 16 buses (10 semi-low floor buses and six newly procured Ultra Star buses) .
On October 24, 2018, the Chief Minister flagged off the second phase of MST bus service, which is operational in seven new routes i.e.Imphal-Jessami, Imphal-Khoupum, Imphal-Nungba, Imphal-Kamjong, Imphal-Tamenglong, Imphal-Tamei and Airport Express (ISBT to Imphal Airport).
MST had earned a total revenue of Rs.1,63,42,596 as on October 20, 2018.As per the information received from the State Transport Department, the expenditure on fuel and salary of MST staff could be met from this revenue so far.