Sri Vijaya Puram, July 18: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has begun expanding its public transport fleet with the induction of the first three new State Transport Service (STS) buses, aiming to address vehicle shortages and improve connectivity in North and Middle Andaman. The buses were flagged off on Friday by Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi (Retd.) at Lok Niwas as part of a phased procurement of 17 new buses for the Transport Department.
The newly inducted buses will be deployed at the STS units in Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur, where the administration identified a shortage of buses affecting public transport services. The deployment is intended to strengthen passenger transport operations in the North and Middle Andaman district.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
According to the administration, the induction marks the first phase of a larger fleet augmentation programme. Six more buses are expected to arrive within the next week, while the remaining eight buses are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the month.
Once received, the buses will be deployed across different STS units based on operational requirements and passenger demand.
The Transport Department stated that the State Transport Service remains a key component of the Union Territory’s transport network, particularly for people living in remote islands and rural areas who depend on government bus services for daily travel and access to essential services.
The phased induction of new buses forms part of the department’s plan to modernise the STS fleet by gradually replacing ageing vehicles and improving the reliability of public transport services.
The administration said priority is being given to strengthening transport connectivity in the North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts, where public bus services serve as an important mode of transportation for residents.
The procurement programme is aimed at improving the availability of buses, enhancing passenger convenience and ensuring safer and more efficient transport services across the Union Territory.
With additional buses scheduled to join the fleet in the coming weeks, the Transport Department is expected to further expand services in areas where demand and operational requirements are highest, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve public transport infrastructure.
The administration said the phased expansion reflects its continued focus on strengthening rural transportation by augmenting the STS fleet and improving connectivity for commuters across the islands.
