Govt set to make JNURM buses roll
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2012:
With a view to make all the semi-low floor buses provided under JNURM operational, a meeting of the United Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) was held today at the PWD conference hall.
The meeting presided by Works and Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar was attended by officials of PWD, Transport Department, Police Department, other relevant departments, representatives of transport organisations and journalists.
Speaking at the meeting, Transport Minister and UMTA Chairman Dr Kh Ratankumar said that 14 semi-low floor buses have been brought to Imphal out of 25 such buses allotted to Manipur.
The State would receive the remaining houses after DPR of the 14 buses is submitted.
Even though it took some time, the Government invited bidders repeatedly to operate the buses on PPP model.
But only one transport organisation responded to the invitation.
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Though five routes have been identified, only two buses are plying between Thangal Keithel and Paona Keithel.
Transport Director BK Sharma reminded that Imphal city was among the 84 cities selected for introduction of semi-low floor buses under JNURM.
The semi-low floor buses were manufactured by TELCO in collaboration with Marco Polo company of Germany.
This type of bus which has its engine in the rear is one of the best in terms of road safety and comfort.
Priyokumar, secretary of the All Manipur Bus Owners Association which is the sole bidder for operating the buses appealed to the officials concerned to look into the hindrances that would be posed by diesel auto-rickshaws and Tata Magic vans, bandhs and blockades, partnership sharing at 70 per cent for service provider and 30 per cent for Government etc.
Imphal West Addl SP Th Herojit assured that necessary security would be provided.
Security escorts may be given to the buses, if required, Herojit said.
PWD Chief Engineer Lokendro said that the department has taken up steps not to keep speed-breakers on the roads of Imphal city and also to remove all existing speed-breakers.
At present, the State Government is unable to start the semi-low floor bus service expect in Thangal Bazar and Paona Bazar.