KHONSA, May 29: The Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) commenced at Khonsa, the headquarters of Tirap district, on Friday with enthusiasm, public participation and a renewed vision for the future.
The three-day celebration commemorates the remarkable journey of APSTS, which began operations from Khonsa in 1975 with just two buses and has since evolved into a vital transport lifeline connecting communities across Arunachal Pradesh and beyond.
As part of the celebrations, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein flagged off the state’s first-ever Restaurant Bus, a Road Safety Awareness Bus and a new fleet of luxury buses at Khonsa, in presence of Transport Minister Ojing Tasing, Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, Environment, Forests and DoTCL Minister Wangki Lowang, and other dignitaries.
The initiative aims to redefine public transportation, strengthen road safety awareness and enhance passenger comfort and travel experience across the state.
The flagging-off ceremony was also attended by MLAs Wanglin Lowangdong, Wanglam Sawin, Tsering Lhamu, Chakat Aboh, Thangwang Wangham and Hamjong Tangha, besides several senior officials and others.
The formal inaugural programme held at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa, got underway with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the APSTS anthem and a welcome address by Commissioner (Transport) Saugat Biswas. A documentary showcasing the five-decade journey and achievements of APSTS was also screened during the event. Traditional cultural performances, including Ollo, Tutsa and Nocte folk dances, added colour to the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein congratulated former and present officials, employees and stakeholders who contributed to the growth of APSTS over the past 50 years.
Recalling his personal experiences of travelling in APSTS buses, Mein described the transport service as a lifeline of Arunachal Pradesh that played a crucial role in connecting remote regions and fostering socio-economic development.
He said APSTS had grown “from a small seed into a large tree” and remarked that the history of APSTS is closely linked with the development journey of Arunachal Pradesh itself.
The Deputy Chief Minister also appreciated the department’s adoption of modern technologies such as GPS tracking systems, panic buttons, CCTV cameras, air-conditioned (AC) coaches and electric buses to improve passenger safety and convenience.
Assuring continued government support, Mein said efforts would be made to improve and widen township roads in Khonsa to facilitate 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 transformed 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 fifty years of service but a tribute to generations of individuals who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to connect people across the state.
Tasing said he felt privileged to head the department during its historic Golden Jubilee year and noted that Khonsa was intentionally chosen as the venue to honour the birthplace of APSTS. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernisation of public transport services, road safety initiatives and strengthening connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh.
Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona highlighted the importance of transportation in economic development and proposed the 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, including former General Manager Tape Bagra, IAS (Retd.), first APSTS conductor KC Choudhary, Tsering Norbu, Gobom Siram and Sashi Kumar G, were felicitated for their dedicated service and contribution to the department.
The evening cultural programme featured performances by local artists, rehabilitation centre residents, 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 aimed at celebrating the legacy of APSTS and charting a progressive roadmap for its future growth.