City bus service for Mokokchung being planned

Our Correspondent Mokokchung, Oct. 9 (EMN): Mokokchung might be in for the city bus service if plans of the government work out. The development was disclosed to news reporters by a minister. Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation & Land Resource P Paiwang Konyak paid a surprise visit to two offices in Mokokchung to take ‘firsthand information regarding the working system’ of his departments, on Oct. 9. He visited the NST and Regional Transport Officer’s establishment. Interacting with media persons during his visit, the minister informed that “city bus will be introduced in Mokokchung but it needs to take thorough studies it would be successful or not.” “It is not only an introduction. It has to be in the long run. I have given three days to division manager Mokokchung for a thorough study for the success of the bus service. Once the report is completed, my ministry will definitely introduce the city bus (service),” Konyak commented in reply to a query. He added the department had sufficient staff and the capability for successful operation. Konyak informed that minimum charges will apply. Senior citizens of 60 years and over will be provided free rides while there would be special concession for differently-able persons. The minister was optimistic that the service would boost the rural economy. If the department provides better services, the people will also start travelling on the NST bus. This will drastically reduce traffic congestion. The minister informed that the government was planning an AC bus the next summer season. As for the defunct Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Mokokchung, the minister said that the implementing agency was the district administration but ‘it is unfortunate the people are not using the public amenity.’ During an informal interaction with officials and staffs, the minister asserted: If the government agencies are not performing ‘how can the government show its performance to the people.’ He urged the officials and staff to show results. He warned that employees found neglecting duties will be terminated from service immediately.