SHILLONG: Despite the state increasing the city transport coverage with the help of Central projects including the deployment of SPTS buses, the outskirts and the district headquarters of East and West Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi are a neglected lot.
Though there are a large number of Sumos with packed passengers plying to Jowai, Nongstoin, Khliehriat, and Mawkyrwat areas, there is no dedicated bus service to these headquarters.
An official with the Transport department admitted that there is no dedicated bus service to even Nongpoh as the people have to depend on Guwahati bound buses to stop at Nongpoh
There are many office-goers from Shillong working at various offices in Nongpoh, the headquarter of Ribhoi, but in the absence of dedicated bus services, there have to depend on other mode of transport especially Sumos.
However, this not the case with the Garo Hills region as there is regular bus service to Tura, Williamnagar and other areas.
Asked about the reason why the transport department cannot start more bus services to Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, the Transport department official said that since the parking lot was taken over by MUDA at Anjalee, there are no suitable places for the buses to park.
“We are finding it difficult to get parking spaces for the buses not only in city but also in other district headquarters,” official said.
Currently, only Sumo services are operating to various destinations in Khasi-Jaintia Hills from Anjalee.
Moreover, another difficulty is to set up offices of MTC in Jowai, Nongstoin, Mawkyrwat and other district headquarters in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
