Commuters flag safety, comfort issues on long ATR route
DIGLIPUR: Daily travellers on the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) between Sri Vijaya Puram and Diglipur have protested the poor condition of buses operated by the State Transport Service (STS), saying that the ageing fleet and inadequate maintenance have turned routine journeys into hazardous and uncomfortable experiences.
Passengers have complained of repeated mechanical breakdowns, leaking roofs during rains, malfunctioning window frames and missing or broken seat handles — defects that, they said, compromise both safety and dignity for commuters on the long island route.
Routine problems, heightened risks on remote stretches
According to reports, recurring engine trouble and other mechanical failures have left vehicles stranded on isolated stretches of the ATR, leaving passengers vulnerable and forcing lengthy delays. Commuters said these failures are exacerbated by the condition of National Highway 4 (NH-4), where potholes, unpaved sections and mud tracks increase wear on vehicles and slow travel, particularly during heavy rainfall.
“The senior officials of the STS Department should travel at least once on a bus plying between Sri Vijaya Puram and Diglipur. Only then will they truly comprehend the hardship and agony that passengers endure every single day.”
The remark, attributed to a passenger stranded during a recent breakdown, reflects mounting frustration among daily travellers who say there is no viable public transport alternative on the corridor and that complaints lodged locally have not yielded satisfactory action.
What commuters want
Commuters have urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to:
- Deploy new or properly serviced buses on the Sri Vijaya Puram–Diglipur route;
- Introduce routine mechanical audits and enforce maintenance schedules for the STS fleet;
- Improve road sections along NH-4 to reduce vehicle breakdowns and travel times, especially during monsoon periods.
Passengers said basic amenities such as functioning windows for ventilation and secure seat fittings are absent on several buses, making long journeys physically uncomfortable and raising safety concerns when vehicles manoeuvre on rough stretches.
Operational and infrastructure factors
Sources reported that the STS fleet operating on long-distance island routes includes older vehicles that endure heavy usage. The combination of vehicle age, limited availability of spare parts, and arduous road conditions along certain sections of NH-4 appears to contribute to frequent service disruptions.
Residents pointed to the particular difficulty posed by heavy rains, when leaking roofs and slippery road surfaces convert routine mechanical issues into prolonged stranding incidents. They said such delays are particularly taxing for schoolchildren, daily wage earners and patients who depend on reliable transport.
Administrative response and next steps
The complaints put pressure on the A&N Administration and the STS department to respond with concrete corrective measures. Possible administrative responses could include targeted replacement or rotation of the most dilapidated buses, mandatory pre-trip inspections, tighter maintenance contracts, and coordination with the public works or highways department for expedited road repairs on NH-4.
| Issue reported | Impact on commuters |
|---|---|
| Broken/missing seat handles | Reduced passenger comfort and balance during transit |
| Non-operational or stuck window frames | Poor ventilation and exposure to elements |
| Leaking roofs in heavy rainfall | Passengers get soaked; increased health and hygiene risks |
| Recurring engine trouble | Stranding on remote stretches; long delays |
| Poor road conditions on NH-4 | Increased breakdowns and longer journey times |
At present there is no published timeline for corrective action from the STS or the A&N Administration in the reports, and commuters say they await an official response. Local residents urged timely measures to ensure safe and reliable island travel, particularly ahead of the monsoon season when road and vehicle vulnerabilities are aggravated.
As the issue impacts daily mobility and economic activity along the ATR corridor, any administrative measures — whether short-term relief in the form of replacement buses or a longer-term fleet refurbishment plan — will be closely watched by commuters and community leaders.
