The three-day Golden Jubilee Celebration commemorating 50 years of the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) began at Khonsa on Friday with enthusiastic public participation and renewed focus on the future of public transportation in the state.
The celebrations mark a historic milestone in the journey of APSTS, which started operations from Khonsa in 1975 with just two buses and has since evolved into a major transport lifeline connecting remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring states.
As part of the celebrations, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein flagged off the state’s first Restaurant Bus, a Road Safety Awareness Bus and a new fleet of luxury buses at Khonsa.
The inaugural programme was later held at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa, in the presence of senior officials, APSTS officers, former employees, public leaders and members of the public.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the APSTS anthem and a welcome address by Transport Commissioner Saugat Biswas. A documentary showcasing the journey and achievements of APSTS over the last five decades was screened during the event, while traditional Ollo, Tutsa and Nocte folk dances added cultural vibrancy to the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Mein congratulated former and present officials, employees and stakeholders for their contributions towards the growth of APSTS over the past 50 years.
Recalling his personal experiences of travelling in APSTS buses, Mein described the department as a crucial institution that transformed connectivity and socio-economic development across Arunachal Pradesh.
He said APSTS has grown “from a small seed into a large tree” and added that the department’s history is closely linked with the developmental journey of the state itself.
The Deputy Chief Minister also lauded the department’s adoption of modern technologies, including GPS tracking systems, panic buttons, CCTV cameras, air-conditioned coaches and electric buses, stating that these initiatives reflect APSTS’s commitment towards passenger safety, innovation and improved travel experience.
Assuring continued government support, Mein said efforts would also be made to improve and widen township roads in Khonsa for safer and more efficient transportation.
In his address, Transport Minister Ojing Tasing paid tribute to the pioneers, former employees, drivers, conductors, mechanics and officers whose dedication helped transform APSTS from a modest service into one of the state’s most important public service institutions.
He said the Golden Jubilee celebration was not merely a commemoration of 50 years of service but also a tribute to generations of employees who worked under difficult conditions to connect remote communities across the state.
Tasing further stated that Khonsa was deliberately chosen as the venue for the Golden Jubilee celebrations to honour the birthplace of APSTS and acknowledge its humble beginnings.
Highlighting ongoing modernisation initiatives, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards strengthening public transportation and improving connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh. He also assured further development of transport infrastructure in Khonsa.
Education and Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona emphasised the importance of transportation in economic development and proposed establishment of a “Golden Jubilee Bus Station” in Khonsa as a lasting tribute to the occasion.
Local legislators Wanglin Lowangdong, Wanglam Sawin and Thangwang Wangham also addressed the gathering and stressed the need for improved road infrastructure to accelerate development and connectivity in the region.
A commemorative Golden Jubilee calendar was released during the programme. Former APSTS officers and staff members were also felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service and contribution to the department.
Among those honoured were former APSTS General Manager Tapi Bagra, first APSTS conductor K C Choudhary, Bomdila Night Chowkidar Tsering Norbu, driver Gobom Siram and Store Inspector Sashi Kumar G.
The vote of thanks was delivered by APSTS General Manager Mito Dirchi, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and members of the public for making the inaugural day of the celebration a success.
The evening cultural programme featured performances by local artists, rehabilitation centre inmates, Tangsa Cultural Troupe and singers David Arangham and Baby Mossang.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will continue till May 31 with workshops, exhibitions, cultural programmes and public engagement activities highlighting the legacy and future vision of APSTS.
