SRI VIJAYA PURAM | JULY 14, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA
A young student identified as P. R. Akshara was reportedly seen stitching a torn seat on an STS bus travelling towards Chidiyatapu via Beodnabad, drawing attention to the condition of public transport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The student's initiative reflects a sense of responsibility and respect for public property. However, the reported incident also raises an important question: why should a student have to repair a damaged seat on a government-operated bus?
Public transport is an essential service, and passengers deserve clean, safe and comfortable journeys. Regular inspections and timely repairs are important to ensure that buses remain suitable for daily commuters, including students, workers and other passengers.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of routine maintenance. The available information does not establish how long the seat had been damaged, whether the defect had previously been reported, or what maintenance action had been taken. These details would be necessary to assess the circumstances fully.
While Akshara's reported initiative deserves appreciation, responsibility for maintaining government-operated buses rests with the concerned authorities. Passengers should not have to take on repairs that form part of routine public transport maintenance.
The concerned authorities are urged to inspect the bus, address the reported damage and review whether other vehicles require similar repairs. A response from the authorities would help clarify the maintenance arrangements and the steps being taken to ensure passenger comfort.
Incident Details
Date of reported incident: July 14, 2026
Bus number: 613
Route: Bus Terminus to Chidiyatapu via Beodnabad
Reported departure time: 1:50 PM
Bus description: White, long, non-AC STS bus
Student identified in the supplied information: P. R. Akshara