From Our Correspondent
TURA: Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Thursday launched the Tura Supplementary Public Transport Service, popularly called ‘maxi taxi service’ in an elaborate function organised by the Department in collaboration with the Tura Municipal Board at the Tura District Auditorium.
It may be mentioned that the Tura Public Transport Service, flagged off earlier in January this year, has been doing a commendable work catering to the transportation needs of the people and the maxi taxi service would further augment the transport services. A total of 15 maxi taxis and 10 additional buses were flagged off by the Minister on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Ampareen said the supplementary service which was doing very well in Shillong should not fail in Tura too. She hoped the community will participate productively using the urban development assets to the fullest.
While expressing satisfaction at the progress of Tura waste management, she cautioned the citizens of Tura not to repeat the mistake of Shillong in disposal and management of waste.
She also said that the Department of Urban Affairs is concerned about certain issues plaguing Tura like lack of sanitation and hygiene, traffic congestion, deplorable road conditions and was particularly concerned on the rise of ‘hooliganism’ and ‘vandalism’ in the town which she attributed to the lack of street electrification.
The Minister assured that these issues would be addressed with urgency.
Also present at the launch, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi, said the service of the public transport system was unparalleled and the launch of the supplementary services would fulfill the last mile connectivity.
Among others who spoke on the occasion were, JR Marak, president of Nokrek Midan Transport Society which will operate the maxi service, Miriam D Shira, former MLA, BK Panda, Director of Urban Affairs, PK Sangma, CEM of GHADC, Zenith Sangma, Co-Chairman of the State Planning Board and KC Momin, Chairman of the Tura Municipal Board.