From Bhupen Goswami
Guwahati: Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) inducted 20 modern Bharat Benz buses into its fleet. The state-owned ASTC will further accelerate the fleet by including another 20 Bharat Benz buses next month. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off 20 modern India Benz buses on Saturday. With the closure of the fleet of buses, ASTC has emerged very competitively to serve the people of the state, Sonowal said. Saying that though the people of the State had a negative perception of the effectiveness of ASTC, the state government, with the present time and the right kind of intervention, has converted the weaknesses of ASTC into its strength and as a result the organization has gained dynamism in its operations. He also said that there should be qualitative improvement in the bus services of ASTC.
He observed at the same time that the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with his inspiring leadership, has brought about remarkable changes not only in the developmental narratives of the country but also to create a positive nature among the people. Directed and inspired by the Prime Minister, the Government of Assam has also ventured to bring about a positive and qualitative change in the development of the State. Saying that Marsat-Benz buses are known for their better performance, Sonowal said the buses included in the ASTC need to maintain their good services for a long time.
Sonowal congratulated the Transport Department at the same time for its impressive performance, especially during the Covid 19 lock down. He also inaugurated the services of wheel chair for boarding and landing in the bus. Considering the many cancer patients in the state going to Mumbai for advanced oncological treatment, Sonowal asked the ASTC authority to start bus service within a week to facilitate them from Assam Bhawan to hospital. Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowari Kovid thanked the employees of ASTC for dedicating their duties during the 19th epidemic. He announced at the same time that the corporation will launch free bus service for women in New Year 2021 and also launch free bus service for senior citizens.
