Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has expanded its Ka Bos Jong Ngi public transport service by introducing a new route between the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawlai-Mawiong and Lad Smit, while inducting 14 new air-conditioned diesel buses to strengthen Shillong’s public transport network.
The new buses were flagged off at the ISBT in Shillong on July 3 by Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Chairman and Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare in the presence of Urban Affairs Department Secretary W.A.M. Booth Shadap, Director P.K. Boro and other officials.
Addressing the programme, Lamare said the additional buses would provide students and daily commuters with a more reliable and comfortable mode of transport. He noted that 15 buses had been introduced during the pilot phase, with the latest induction marking the second phase of the government’s public transport expansion.
The Ka Bos Jong Ngi initiative was launched in February with a fleet of 29 air-conditioned diesel buses. Services initially began with 15 buses operating on the IIM Shillong–Upper Shillong route to assess commuter demand and operational performance before the network was expanded.
The latest expansion follows the induction of five electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme in June as part of the state’s broader plan to improve urban mobility, reduce congestion and promote cleaner public transport.
According to the Urban Affairs Department, the strategy also includes improving parking infrastructure and integrating urban planning measures.
Secretary W.A.M. Booth Shadap said the newly introduced buses would improve connectivity to schools, hospitals, markets, workplaces and other key destinations while extending services to areas that previously lacked regular public transport. She said the initiative aims to build a reliable, inclusive and environmentally responsible transport system to meet Shillong’s growing mobility needs.
The new buses are equipped with GPS-based real-time tracking, digital ticketing, CCTV cameras, air-conditioned interiors and mobile charging facilities to enhance passenger convenience and safety.