MLA Dikho flags off Mao-Dimapur MST service
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, February 20 2023:
Launching another Manipur State Transport (MST) bus service to ease the transportation problem face by the people, an MST Bus Service from Mao to Dimapur via Peren along NH-129A was flagged off by Mao MLA L Dikho from Mao town on Monday.
Speaking as chief guest of the event, MLA L Dikho expressed gratitude to chief minister N Biren and transport minister Khashim Vashum for their concerns for the people of the region where such facilities are needed most.
On the other hand, transport director Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam stated that the MST service has been introduced on the new route to ease the hiring charges of a private taxi to go to Dimapur.
Seeing the hardships that the common people have been facing in view of the skyrocketing fares, the bus service has been introduced in public interest, she mentioned.
The joint director also mentioned that MST bus service was proposed under the government's 100 days programme in 2017 after its service was abolished in the past.
Under the Transport Department, 24 MST bus services have been launched till date on different routes.
Mao-Dimapur would be the first inter-state bus service.
The focus of the bus service is to help the people of Mao and adjacent villages in need of its service to travel down to Dimapur, she added.
The joint director also sought the cooperation from people of the region in making the service more fruitful.
The fare has been fixed by the government at a much-subsidised rate.
While the MST bus service is already in service from Mao to Imphal, the frequency of operation had to be decreased unfortunately due to shortage of passengers, she noted.
The joint director further conveyed that the department is trying to procure a more comfortable or semi luxury bus.
The bus service will operate from Mao to Dimapur on Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting from 6:30 am and from Dimapur to Mao on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Manipur Parking, Dimapur.
Stop points for the time being are Maram, Tamphung and Peren.
During the event, MBC, Song Song pastor reverend S Chiluyio led the dedication prayer.