The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) was established in 1950 under the requirements of the Road Transport Corporation Act 1950. Before this, it was a wing of the Transport Department of the Govt. of Assam, which came into effect on 16th January 1948 as "Road Transport, Assam." It is headquartered in Guwahati but has divisional offices in Nagaon, Jorhat, and Tezpur, among other towns.
ASTC operates a fleet of over 1,100 buses in urban and rural areas. In addition, more than 12,000 private-owned buses also run under the ASTC banner. The fleet covers rural and hilly routes, highways, and city roads within Assam. It also provides transportation services to the neighbouring states. In addition, the Assam Road Transport Corporation services 135 bus stations and three inter-state bus depots.
The ASTC has promised to fulfil one of the UN's sustainable development goals. In particular, it aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. It also hopes to enhance road safety by expanding public transport with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups, children, women, older people, and people with disabilities. In light of this, ASTC launched a new 'Pink Bus' service in Guwahati dedicated to women and senior citizens.
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Amenities on Assam State Road Transport Corporation Buses
Travelling with Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) is like opening the door to a new world of comfort and luxury. ASTC buses, carefully crafted to accommodate diverse budgets and groups, have features that turn every trip into a cherished memory. Our key focus is your safety and comfort, and our buses stand as a testament to this pledge, offering a range of onboard facilities.
Remember that the type of ASTC bus you opt for defines the amenities you'll have at your disposal, and not all routes will offer every amenity. However, with a wide range of comforts, you can find an ASTC bus that fits your travel requirements like a glove. Our buses aim to be more than just a mode of transport; they aspire to be your cosy nook on the road, ensuring a fulfilling journey for every passenger. Brace yourself for many amenities that elevate and transform bus travel with ASTC.
- Air-conditioning
- Reclining seats
- Blankets and pillows
- Reading lights
- CCTVs
- Charging points
- Emergency exits
- 24/7 call centre support
- Glass-breaking hammers
Popular Routes Covered by Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC)
The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) is a government-run transportation organization that primarily serves the state of Assam in India. Its primary objective is to ensure connectivity between bigger cities and smaller towns within the state. The ASTC operates a large fleet of buses that provide comfortable and affordable travel options to passengers across the state. When booking an ASTC bus, past travellers have chosen from a range of highly-frequented routes connecting major cities and towns in Assam. These routes include popular destinations such as Guwahati to Silchar, Guwahati to Dibrugarh, Guwahati to Tezpur, Jorhat to Guwahati, and Silchar to Guwahati. These routes are well-serviced by ASTC buses, which offer a range of amenities to make passengers' journeys comfortable and hassle-free.
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- Tezpur to Guwahati: The distance between Tezpur and Guwahati is 175 kilometres. The journey might take up to four hours by bus.
- Guwahati to Dergaon: The distance between these two cities via National Highways is more than 280 kilometres. The journey might take up to six hours by bus.
- Guwahati to Borjhar: This is one of the shortest road routes, with a distance of only 25 kilometres and requiring no more than 45 minutes to complete. This road leads to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
- Guwahati to Jorhat: The distance between Guwahati and Jorhat is 300 kilometres. The journey by bus might take up to seven hours.
ASTC is a trusted and reliable transportation organization that plays a critical role in connecting the people of Assam. Its extensive network of bus routes and comfortable travel options make it a popular choice for travellers looking to explore the state. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, an ASTC bus booking is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of Assam.
Assam State Transport Corporation ASTC Bus Types
The ASTC has various bus types catering to passenger budgets and the different terrains that buses may have to traverse. The bus types of ASTC include AC/Non AC Hi-Tech Luxury, AC/Non AC Hi-Tech Semi-Deluxe, Deluxe, and AC/Non AC Seater.
The price of ASTC buses depends on the bus type one chooses to travel by. Depending on the route, this may range from 100 rupees to 450. You can pick from the following when making an ASTC bus ticket booking online:
- Volvo: Volvo AC seaters ensure passengers travel comfortably without being jostled by changes in terrain and road conditions.
- Non-AC Seater: This ASTC bus type has push-back seats to make the shortest journeys comfortable.
- Airport Bus: This special ASTC bus connects Guwahati to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, with different routes covering areas such as Adabari, Bharalumukh, and Nepali Mandir.
- AC Seater: This air-conditioned ASTC bus type has a 2+1 seating plan to ensure passengers travel comfortably.
- Ordinary Buses: These are the most basic and commonly used buses by ASTC. They stop at almost all stops and have nominal fares.
- Semi-Deluxe Buses: These buses offer a higher level of comfort than ordinary buses. They have more spacious seats and make fewer stops, ensuring quicker travel times.
- Deluxe Buses: Deluxe buses provide even more comfortable seating arrangements, air conditioning, and additional amenities. They are designed for longer journeys with higher fares than ordinary and semi-deluxe buses.
- Volvo Buses: These are high-end luxury buses typically used for long-distance routes. They have superior comfort features like spacious recliner seats, ample legroom, air conditioning, charging points, and sometimes even onboard restrooms.
- Electric Buses: ASTC has also introduced electric buses on specific routes to promote eco-friendly transportation.
- Mini Buses: These are smaller and usually used for transportation within cities or short distances.
- Sleeper Buses: These buses are equipped with berths instead of seats, allowing passengers to lie down and sleep during long-distance overnight journeys.
Remember to check the bus type while booking your ASTC tickets, ensuring it meets your comfort, travel time, and budget requirements.
Popular Cities Covered by ASTC Buses
ASTC buses are well connected with multiple cities in Assam; travellers making an ASTC online booking can visit the following popular cities in Assam and neighbouring states:Guwahati: Known as the gateway to the Northeast, Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and is a crucial transit point for ASTC buses.
- Dibrugarh: This city in eastern Assam is an essential hub for commerce, communication, and healthcare in the region.
- Jorhat: An essential city in the tea-producing belt of Assam, Jorhat is a common stop for ASTC buses.
- Silchar: Situated in the southern part of Assam, Silchar is the second-largest city in the state and is well-connected by ASTC buses.
- Tezpur: Known for its cultural richness and scenic beauty, Tezpur is another significant city covered by ASTC.
- Tinsukia: This city, located in the northeastern part of Assam, is an important commercial centre that is well-served by ASTC.
- Bongaigaon: One of Assam's largest commercial and industrial centres, Bongaigaon is regularly served by ASTC buses.
- Shillong: Located in Meghalaya, Shillong is a popular tourist destination connected to Assam through ASTC buses.
- Agartala: ASTC also covers Tripura's capital, Agartala, illustrating the corporation's reach beyond Assam's borders.
Popular Pilgrimage Destinations with ASTC Buses
Assam has several holy pilgrimage sites that attract travellers from around the country. Here are some of the most common destinations from which you may board an ASTC bus:
- Navagraha Temple: This ancient temple was built initially, as the name suggests, to study the nine celestial bodies as described by Hindu scriptures. The temple was said to be built in 1752 AD; today, it also serves as a research centre for astronomy and astrology.
- Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib: This stunning Gurudwara is regularly visited by Sikh pilgrims from all over the country. It is located in Dhubri, on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
- Basistha Ashram: This Ashram is said to have been the hermitage of the great Sage Vashisht. The Janardan Devalaya within the Ashram walls is dedicated to Lord Vishnu; the Ashram is set in a naturally scenic area flanked by rivulets.
- Kamakhya Temple: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya. The main complex is home to 10 temples dedicated to the 10 Mahavidyas of Shaktism. The temple complex displays a hybrid of architectural styles.
- Majuli Island: This island, located in the Brahmaputra River, is home to several monasteries and temples and is considered a spiritual centre for the Vaishnava tradition.
- Dhola Sadiya Bridge spans the Brahmaputra river and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who believe it was built by the god Rama.
- Sivadol Temple in Sibsagar: This temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Assam.
- Umananda Temple in Guwahati: This temple, located on a small island in the Brahmaputra river, is dedicated to the god Shiva and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Assam.
ASTC offers several package tours, including visits to these pilgrimage sites and other cultural and natural attractions in Assam and neighbouring states.
