Magurshila (Dimoria), Feb 4, 2026: In a landmark moment for the remote hill communities along the Assam–Meghalaya border, the long-awaited Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) bus service to Kasongmala in the Ampri Valley was formally flagged off on February 3 at Magurshila village.
The programme, organised by the people of the Ampri Valley, was notably led by women, women-run voluntary organisations, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), underscoring strong community participation and leadership.
The ceremony was attended by Shri Biswajit Saikia (ACS), Co-District Commissioner, Dimoria; Shri Gautam Das, District Transport Officer, Kamrup Metropolitan; senior officials of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India; senior ASTC officials; police officers of the Dimoria Co-District; and Dr. Srabana Misra Bhagabati along with her team from Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI).
Guests were welcomed with a traditional Karbi dance performed by women of the Ampri Valley, reflecting the region’s cultural pride and unity.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Biswajit Saikia congratulated the people of the Ampri Valley and thanked ASTC for initiating the bus service, stating that it would greatly benefit residents who commute daily to Sonapur and Guwahati. He informed that road construction up to Magurshila was nearing completion, land allotment processes were underway, and a Department of Telecommunications team present at the event was conducting surveys to identify areas without mobile network coverage in the Ampri Valley.
The ASTC bus service was officially flagged off by Shri Gautam Das, District Transport Officer, along with Dr. Srabana Misra Bhagabati of BBCI. Speaking on the occasion, the DTO said the service was a direct outcome of the Charter of Demands submitted by the people of the Ampri Valley in September last year to the Hon’ble Governor of Assam and the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He added that the Chief Minister had promptly instructed the concerned departments to initiate the service. “I request all the people of the Ampri Valley to consider this bus as their very own Ampri Valley bus and help us keep it running,” he said.
Smt. Anjumoni Rahang of Magurshila delivered the welcome address, thanking all dignitaries for their presence. Expressing happiness over the development, Smt. Biju Rahang, another resident, said the service would significantly help children access schools and colleges in Sonapur and Guwahati.
ASTC officials also appealed to residents for continued cooperation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.
Highlighting the broader importance of the Charter of Demands, Rakesh Hazarika, Executive Director of the Centre for Efficient Governance, said it was a democratic tool aimed at improving governance and facilitating government action. He noted that the people of the Ampri Valley were now witnessing tangible outcomes and would continue working closely with the Public Works (Roads) Department and the Department of Telecommunications to address road connectivity and mobile network challenges.
Calling the day historic, Bhibi Ingti, a resident of Pithagog, said, “Today marks a renewed freedom for the Ampri Karbi community.”
The ASTC bus service is expected to significantly improve access to education, healthcare, markets, and government services for over 15,000 residents of the Ampri Valley, standing as a strong example of people-led civic action translating into effective public service delivery.
