Kathmandu Metropolitan City Proposes Night Public Transport Expansion to Bhaktapur Local Levels

Kathmandu. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has proposed to the local levels of Bhaktapur to expand night public transport services in the valley. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol made the proposal to Bhaktapur Municipality and Madhyapur Thimi Municipality. She urged the local levels of Bhaktapur to join the night transport service being operated by Sajha Yatayat in collaboration with local levels of Kathmandu and Lalitpur. She stated that as the demand to expand services outside Kathmandu has increased, the local levels of Bhaktapur should also participate in the partnership. She mentioned that the night bus service is essential for the labor and middle class. She emphasized that the service should be run with all local levels bearing the initial losses. Acting Mayor Dangol said, 'Transportation plays a very important role in making our city safe. Many laborers work in Kathmandu, but their homes may be in places like Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Chandragiri, etc. They have been facing the problem of not getting public transport when returning home after work.' She mentioned that although ride-sharing facilities are available, they are relatively expensive. She added, 'We have seen the need to improve night services along with daytime services to ensure access to public transport. If the municipalities directly connected to the routes where services will operate share the costs, no single municipality will bear a large financial burden.' She clarified that the service can be operated sustainably through joint ownership. By reaching an understanding between local levels, municipalities such as Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Chandragiri, Bhaktapur, Thimi, and Suryabinayak can share the costs. Both Bhaktapur Municipality and Madhyapur Thimi Municipality have expressed that Kathmandu Metropolitan City's proposal is positive and they are interested in partnership. Preparations are underway to provide services on 6 new routes with 28 night buses in the Kathmandu Valley from October 3. The service is planned to connect both the north-south and east-west parts of the valley. Under this, 6 buses will run from Godawari to Budhanilkantha, 6 from Jagati, Bhaktapur via Ratnapark to Thamel, 4 from the Airport to Nagdhunga, Chandragiri, and 4 from Kirtipur to New Road Nepal Airlines Corporation. 8 buses will operate for two-way loops on the Ring Road. With transport service available on the Ring Road, it will be possible to reach every place where services are operated by changing buses at one place. The fare for traveling this way will be a maximum of 80 rupees.