Operation of JNNURM buses
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has urged the NGOs and individuals to come forward in assisting the Government in monitoring the operation of buses procured under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
“We would like to offer remuneration to any NGO or group of people who are ready to assist the Government in monitoring the operation of the JNNURM buses,” Principal Secretary of Urban Affairs department Prashant Naik told reporters here on Monday.
He informed that ten more buses under the Central scheme are scheduled to arrive by March-end.
“With the arrival of the new buses, we are planning to expand the service to areas which are yet to be covered,” Naik said adding that the Urban Affairs department had already called the tender for the remaining 50 JNNURM buses.
“We are expecting to receive these buses within the period of four months,” he said.
Referring to much talked about Maxi Cab, Naik said his department would be receiving 15 more Maxi Cabs by the end of this week.
“We are going to expand the Maxi Cab service to various parts of the city,” Principal Secretary of Urban Affairs added.
Earlier, taking strong exception on the reports that the STPS buses procured under the JNNURM are being given out on hire for private use, the State Government has issued clear directive that these buses should not be given on hire since they were meant for public services only.
It has been alleged that these STPS buses are being given out on hire for picnics and for sightseeing. The rates are charged by the operator depending on the distance of the destination from the State capital. Naik reiterated that these buses were strictly meant for public transport services along the various routes within the city.
