Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Flags off 56 Electric Buses, Mini ISBT and Foot Overbridge

Guwahati: The first day of 2025 remained a hectic day for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma when he, among other programmes, flagged off as many as 56 electronic buses, inaugurated a mini ISBT, and opened a footbridge.

In a move to promote eco-friendly transport, the Chief Minister flagged off 56 new AC electric buses for Guwahati. He also dedicated the newly constructed Mini Inter-State Bus Terminal at Khanapara to the people of the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that in a significant step towards a greener and sustainable Assam, the state government will go for a phased replacement of diesel buses in Guwahati’s public transport system with electric alternatives. He also said that by 2026, the diesel buses in Guwahati will entirely be phased out and over 356 electric buses will be added. Under PM e-Bus Sewa, 100 more buses will be added by 2026. He said that the diesel buses will be phased out, helping Guwahati to become a green corridor.

Chief Minister Sarma said that Assam is now one of the top-performing states in digitizing the transport system. He said that Assam has secured the number one position in the country in terms of complete digitization of the transport system. With digitization, the work is being carried out on a random basis, ensuring the distribution of tasks and resolving issues. This has helped in reducing the involvement of middlemen. He also said that 90 percent of the ‘middlemen nexus’ has been eliminated from the Assam State Transport Corporation.

Announcing bold measures of transformation, the Chief Minister said that to streamline fitness certificate issuance, six vehicle fitness centres will be set up. State government is also planning motor driving institutes in every LAC with principals empowered to issue driving licenses.

In the beginning, the inauguration programme observed a two-minute silence in honour of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Transport Minister Jogen Mohan, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa, MP Bijulee Kalita, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

In another programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated a foot overbridge at Paltan Bazar in Guwahati, alongside the newly renovated Santisthal memorial of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi.

It may be noted that in order to address the inconveniences faced by pedestrians in Guwahati, the state government has already undertaken the construction of several footbridges. Today, Chief Minister Sarma dedicated the foot overbridge at Paltan Bazar to the service of the public, aimed at ensuring safer pedestrian movement across the busy thoroughfare.

In his conversation with the media, Dr. Sarma said that the 17.50-metre-long footbridge has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 16.66 crore under the State Owned Priority Development fund. He emphasized that this structure would allow pedestrians to cross the bustling GS Road without hindering vehicular traffic while also facilitating easier access for travellers arriving from various locations to the railway station and the Assam State Transport Corporation bus stands.

The event was attended by MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mrigen Sarania, among other dignitaries.

After this, the CM inaugurated the newly renovated Santisthal memorial of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi and his wife Surabala Devi. Located in the Silpukhuri area of Guwahati, this memorial has undergone significant restoration and modernisation to enhance its stature and offer a more fitting tribute to one of the most prominent figures in the region’s history.

The CM said that the memorial’s renovation, at an approximate investment of Rs 1.26 crore, has been designed to immortalize the legacy of Gopinath Bordoloi for future generations. The project includes the construction of a library to attract visitors and an array of lighting installations to create a pleasant ambiance in the evening. A statue of Bordoloi, sculpted from sandstone, has been erected at the site, while the memorial’s entrance gate, boundary walls, and podium have also been restored, a press release said.

 Also Read: Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Greets People on Eve of New Year

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