Sri Vijaya Puram, July 14: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has inaugurated a new ₹2.5 crore bus terminus at Shaheed Dweep to strengthen public transport infrastructure, improve passenger amenities and support the growing demand for transport services from residents and tourists visiting the island.
The bus terminus, constructed by the Transport Department with assistance from the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), has been developed to provide waiting shelters and essential passenger facilities as part of the Administration’s efforts to enhance the quality, accessibility and reliability of State Transport Service (STS) operations across the Islands.
Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar inaugurated the facility in the presence of Commissioner-cum-Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr. Sachin Shinde, Secretary (Transport) Rajanish Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) Purva Garg, Director (IP&T) Vinayak Chamadia, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kamaleshwar Rao S, elected PRI representatives and local residents.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Secretary flagged off an STS bus from the newly commissioned bus terminus. Dignitaries also planted spice and fruit-bearing saplings within the premises of the facility.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary said the Administration has been continuously improving public amenities in Shaheed Dweep in view of increasing tourist arrivals. Referring to last year’s tourism data, he said the island recorded an increase of nearly one lakh tourist arrivals, making it necessary to expand transport and other public infrastructure to meet the growing demand.
He said the Administration has already undertaken the construction of waiting sheds and passenger amenities at the Shaheed Dweep Jetty with the support of Panchayati Raj Institutions and local residents. He further stated that, on the lines of the passenger terminal being developed at Swaraj Dweep, additional infrastructure including a seaplane terminal and other public facilities is planned for Shaheed Dweep.
The Chief Secretary also informed that power infrastructure projects, including a solar power initiative under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, are in the pipeline for the island. He said issues relating to telephone connectivity and Wi-Fi services have been taken up with BSNL and improvements have been assured before the next tourist season. He also stated that the CANI submarine project is being explored for Shaheed Dweep.
Highlighting the island’s agricultural potential, the Chief Secretary encouraged farmers to cultivate spices and fruit-bearing trees by availing benefits available through the Agriculture Department. He urged Panchayati Raj Institutions to focus on commercial spice cultivation to strengthen farmers’ incomes while supporting local consumption.
He also called upon PRI representatives and residents to work closely with the Administration in maintaining public infrastructure and to provide suggestions for the future development of the island.
Secretary (Transport) Rajanish Kumar Singh informed that the bus terminus project was completed at a cost of ₹2.5 crore. He also referred to the recent STS bus accidents and said the Transport Department has initiated corrective measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Director (Transport) Nitesh Singh Rawat.
The new bus terminus is expected to improve passenger convenience, strengthen the State Transport Service network and support the continued development of tourism and public infrastructure in Shaheed Dweep.
