Nagaland: Proposal in motion for corporatization of NST bus service

November 14, 2024 6 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 14

The Nagaland State Transport (NST) bus service is expected to see a major overhaul in the form of ‘streamlining and revamping’ its system. This would entail converting the public bus system currently in full operation by the State Government into a corporation with private players involved.

In a recent letter addressed to the Chief Minister detailing this development, Abu Metha, Advisor to the CM stated that the NST despite its rich and proud legacy needed revamping, streamlining and upgradation. “The service must be updated, integrate modern technology and ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible services to the people of Nagaland,” the letter read.

In this regard, he proposed setting up of a ‘Special Task Team’ or a ‘High Powered Committee’ to look into the matter and consider if it would be appropriate to convert the service into a professionally operated corporation.

He also stressed on the need to embrace professionalism and modern technology, “into our public services.” Keeping in mind the dependence of the public on an efficient transport system, he added.

The State Government has been tinkering with this idea for a considerable period of time as previously reported by The Morung Express. This paper had reported that the government has been aware of high expenditures incurred particularly from the Transport sector affecting the state’s finances. More than half of the NST’s total fleet of buses comprise of over-aged buses which needed to be urgently replaced.

During an interaction on the sidelines of a programme held recently, Metha, when further inquired by this

newspaper confirmed the proposals set to be carried out by the government. According to him, the main priority was to turn the NST into a ‘profitable’ service. Although the idea was still in initial stages, Metha mentioned that more study needed to be done to plan out the mode of operation with private players involved.

Asked whether the move would affect the existing staffs at the department, he said that even if the changes were to be brought about, it would still be in the government’s hands.