Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off 25 pink buses earmarked under ‘Bhraman Sarathi’ scheme for women and senior citizens to travel within Guwahati city on January 9.
The free and dedicated bus service for women and senior citizens will ply in five routes – Khanapara to Jalukbari via Paltan Bazar, Forest Gate to Jalukbari via Chandmari, Basistha Mandir to Jalukbari via Paltan Bazar, Khanapara to Jalukbari via NH/ISBT and Games Village/ Bhetapara to Jalukbari via Paltan Bazar.
Sonowal, while flagging off the new buses, said that the free transport service introduced for the first time in Guwahati would immensely help women and senior citizens. He also urged all commuters in Guwahati to take adequate care of these buses.
Role of ASTC during COVID-19 pandemic
Appreciating the role played by the ASTC, the chief minister said that during COVID-19 pandemic, ASTC buses transported essential items, medicines, vegetables, fruits etc. within Northeast and to other parts of the country. Further to bring back people who were stranded outside, the ASTC played a remarkable role, the chief minister said.
Sonowal lauded transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and all ASTC officials, drivers and handymen for their dedicated service during the pandemic period. He also viewed that the new bus service introduced by ASTC would give a new dimension to state government’s welfare measures in the New Year.
Minister of transport and industry & commerce Chandra Mohan Patowary in his speech said that the department introduced this bus service for women and senior citizens in Guwahati as per direction of the chief minister, which would make travel safe and comfortable for them.
