Road to recovery: Rusty NST set for overhaul? 

DIMAPUR — Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, has called for a comprehensive revamp and streamlining of the Nagaland State Transport (NST).

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Metha highlighted the NST’s role in transporting people across Nagaland since the state’s inception.

“Despite its rich and proud legacy, the NST is also in dire need of revamping, streamlining, and upgradation as per the moving times and rapidly changing environment. The service must be updated, integrate modern technology, and ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible services to the people of  Nagaland,” he wrote.

Metha suggested that the state government consider setting up a Special Task Team or a high-powered committee to examine the matter and explore the possibility of converting the NST into a professionally operated corporation.

He stressed the importance of bringing professionalism and modern technology into public services, particularly transportation systems, which are crucial for economic growth and citizen well-being.

Metha’s letter, which was shared on the X platform, outlined the need for exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, outsourcing, and collaborations to enhance the NST’s efficiency and service delivery.

On Saturday, Metha told Eastern Mirror that research and study for revamping the NST was made under the guidance and advice of the chief minister.

Keen for an overall improvement of the NST, the chief minister is said to have shared ‘a positive note’ and a brainstorming session with the appropriate authorities is expected to happen soon.

Metha said that the NST department needs to be shaped and guided in a direction that is in tune with today’s technology. He opined that advanced technological upgrades—be it in infrastructure or technology or equipment—are needed towards ensuring a sustainable institution.

He shared that changes can be made in the ticket booking system, hygiene, and other services. He also opined that the department can contribute to the state’s economy by generating more revenue with improved technology and boost the tourism sector too.

Five buses a year not enough — NST official

Established on December 18, 1964, the Nagaland State Transport (NST), as a department of the state government, functions with multi-activities including passenger bus service operation, state helicopter service operation, railways, and water transport.

During an interaction with a few NST officials led by Additional General Manager, A Limasunep Jamir, at the NST directorate in Dimapur, they shared that the department annually receives five buses, which is not enough to operate the bus service covering all corners of the state.

They said that 90% of the bus service is for connecting the rural areas with Kohima and Dimapur.

According to data provided by the department, NST has a total of 171 buses with five new fleets inducted this year. Fifteen buses were condemned this year, while 20 more are proposed for condemnation.

With 10.5 years as the average age of NST buses, more than 46 buses have been in use for longer than 15 years; 57 buses are between 10 and 14 years old; 34 buses are 6-9 years old; and only 34 buses are below five years in service. (Refer table)

More than 60% of NST buses currently in use are said to be “overage vehicles.”

One of the officials said that ‘we need healthy buses to provide healthy, reliable services to the public’.

With poor road conditions, the reliability and health conditions of buses go down with regular repairs and maintenances from the first year itself, they said.

The officials pointed out that the annual requirement of new buses is currently at 20, but they receive only five, compelling the department to run the overage buses.

According to the officials, the department is eagerly waiting for the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy clearance in order to upgrade the fleets. For logistics too, the department is trying to get the pass.

Surprisingly, the local bus service plying from Chümoukedima to Dimapur is said to be running without a single bus stop. The officials shared that with the construction of the 4-lane highway, the NST buses are running with no designated bus stops.

About seven to 10 buses ply on said route, with students making up for a majority of commuters.

The officials also informed that since last year, breathalysers are being kept at all stations in order to ensure that drivers are not working under the influence of alcohol. Actions are taken on defaulters, leading to even suspension from work, they said.

The NST department has a total of 1,087 employees.

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