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IMPHAL, December 9
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi today flagged off the final trial run of the much-awaited Imphal-Mandalay Bus Service from the Hotel Imphal complex here at North AOC.
The bus carrying 27 officials of state and central governments will return to Imphal on December 14. Mandalay in Myanmar is about 579 km from here. The tour wil cover a distance of about 859 km during which the team wil get through Tamu, Mandalay, Kalay and Monywa and finally arrive in Myanmar’s capital Nay-Pyi-Taw. There, the Myanmar government will organise an official reception for the team on December 12.
The date for the trial run of the bus service was finalised by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) and the government of Myanmar.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Works and Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Secretary of Transport, M Lakshmikumar also attended the flag off ceremony.
The team led by Director of Transport, Roshita and IGP of Manipur Police, Clay Khongsai comprises officials from various departments like Transport, PWD, Police, Commerce & Industries, Planning and also six officials from the Centre including medical staff. Representatives from the private Tour operator Seven Sisters Holidays are also among the team.
On the sidelines of the flag of ceremony, Transport Secretary M Lakshmikumar Singh said that during the trip the official team will discuss with Myanmar counterparts, among others, on the actual fare rate of the bus service which is an ambitious project of the Manipur government.
He hoped the bus service will bring closer ties between the people of India, particularly Manipur, and Myanmar besides opening a wide window of opportunities in the field of trade and commerce. He said the India-Myanmar-Thailand(IMT) road agreement will further boost the bus service.
The Manipur Assembly passed the resultion for introducing the bus service back in 2003.
