Manipur Transport department organises three-day refresher course for drivers and conductors.
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IMPHAL — In a first, the Manipur Transport department initiated a three-day refresher course for Manipur State Transport (MST) drivers and conductors starting from Monday, to emphasise avoiding mishaps, and updating knowledge on safety measures.
“Perhaps it is first of its kind in the country. This training programme will build a more professional and motivated service oriented workforce,” said Additional Chief Secretary (TCI & Transport) Anurag Bajpai.
“Moreover, it is a mode of sensitisation programme for them just to refresh the skills of our drivers and conductors and make them more responsible.”
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the refresher course of the MST drivers and conductors at the Institute of Driving Training and Research Centre (IDTRC) premises in Imphal East district.
Around thirty drivers and conductors of MST are participating in the refresher course.
On improvement of the public transport in the state, the additional CS said, “We’re already in the process of starting the ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminus) in Imphal and we want to connect all the regions of the state. We want to connect all the districts of the state because surface transport is the cheapest mode of transport in our state. This is the means of communication for the common people.”
“And I urge every participant to make full use of this opportunity,” he said.
On destruction of the illegal poppy plantation in the state, Bajpai, who is also the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest department, said that the Forest department identified the poppy cultivated areas.
He informed that till the previous year, the department had destroyed 17,000 hectares of poppy cultivation. Following this, the Forest department aimed to convert these areas into bamboo cultivation zones, as bamboo was expected to be a significant species for the state.
He further stated that in the years 2024-25 and 2025-26, 645 hectares of previously poppy-cultivated areas had already been taken up for bamboo cultivation.
Bamboo, being an industrial species, would be promoted in these areas to benefit local communities, Bajpai added.
Senapati Barak half marathon held
The Senapati Barak half marathon was held as a curtain raiser to the 4th edition of the state-level Barak Festival 2025, themed ‘Run for harmony.’
Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district Mamoni Doley flagged off the event, which was organised by the district administration, police, Indian Red Cross Society, and Medical department.
Around 1000 participants took part in the 5km, 10km, and 21km runs. Winners received medals and cash prizes, sponsored by State Bank of India as part of their CSR initiative.
Participants received T-shirts and medals. The event aimed to promote fitness, togetherness, and harmony with nature and the community.