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Sikkim Nationalized Transport since 1946 has been in
continuous/regular service round the year for the public.
At present, the department with the strength of 124 buses and 130
trucks/tankers operates on 66 passenger routes and also caters to
the need of goods transportation to and from Sikkim including
essential commodities and petroleum products. Sikkim Nationalized
Transport also shoulders the responsibilities for transportation
of Defence personnel and materials from the plains of Siliguri to
Himalayan borders up to 18,000' altitude.
Sikkim Nationalized Transport has been functioning as Out Agency
for Railways and since January, 1997 computerized rail reservation
service at Gangtok for the whole of the country is in vogue to the
great relief of the railway passengers. Further more, with the
initiative of the present Government, which has in principle been
agreed upon by North -East Frontier Railways, reservation quota of
Sikkim would increase almost three fold ( as compared to the
present numbers) in the near future.
With the emphasis on better public service, Sikkim Nationalized
Transport had procured eight new semi deluxe buses, two ordinary
buses, five tankers and two trucks during 2000-2001. Out of the
eight semi deluxe buses, one was introduced as luxury bus for
Gangtok-Siliguri route on 15th November, 2000 and the rest are
deployed on other routes.
Senior citizens who are recipients of old age pension,
ex-servicemen and widows of ex-servicemen above 60 years age are
allowed to travel free of charge in SNT buses. Around two acres of
land at Parivahan Nagar, Matigara, Siliguri at a cost of Rs. 64.80
lakhs has been acquired for construction of truck depot, godown
and office complex to avoid vehicular traffic in the heart of
Siliguri town.
From 20.11.96 city bus services covering Burtuk to 6th mile at
Tadong with frequent round trips in the vicinity of Gangtok town
have been introduced for catering to local passengers. Lottery on
monthly basis on passenger tickets with cash prizes of Rs.
15,000/-, Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 5,000/- as first, second and third
prizes respectively was introduced on 1st October, 2000 with the
first draw inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on
15.11.2000.
Supervision charges under 371 F(k) of the Constitution of India to
all goods carriage vehicles are being levied with due approval of
the Government with an expected annual generation of revenue to
the tune of Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 lakhs.
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