Reported by: Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: The Nagaland government on Tuesday signed a landmark memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Tata Motors Limited for the procurement of 43 buses to strengthen and expand public transport services under the Nagaland State Transport (NST) department.
The agreement, signed at the chief secretary’s conference hall in Kohima, introduces a structured deferred payment mechanism, allowing the state to acquire the fleet without immediate heavy capital outflow.
The total project cost of Rs 13 crore will be paid in three installments over a period of three years, beginning with a mobilisation advance of Rs 5 crore, followed by Rs 4 crore each in the subsequent two years.
The payments will be serviced through state plan allocations, minimising additional financial burden and avoiding conventional borrowing.
Under the agreement, the NST is expected to receive delivery of all 43 buses within three months, leading to an immediate boost in fleet capacity.
The expansion is anticipated to significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve service coverage across urban and rural areas, and increase revenue generation potential for the department.
Officials stated that the induction of the new buses will improve passenger safety, comfort, and reliability, while also strengthening last-mile connectivity and reducing disruptions caused by the aging fleet.
The initiative is also expected to enhance both inter district and interstate transport connectivity.
Described as a first of its kind structured procurement model between Tata Motors Limited and a government entity, the agreement marks one of the largest fleet expansion efforts undertaken by NST.
The tripartite agreement was signed in the presence of chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen. Signatories included Merangkaba Imchen, additional chief engineer representing NST, Ketoulhou Metha, OSD from the finance department, and Ajay Gupta, DGM (sales & marketing), Tata Motors Limited.