Electric bus service resumes in Lumbini after long delay

Butwal. Electric buses that had been stranded in Lumbini for a long time resumed operations on Wednesday. The buses were put into service following directives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and a letter from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Chudamani Bhattarai, Administrative Officer of the Lumbini Development Trust, informed Ratopati that the buses are currently operating on two routes. According to him, one bus has already completed a trip to Belahiya and back, while another is operating towards Tilaurakot and Kudan.

The Trust stated that two routes have been set for now: Lumbini-Airport-Belahiya and Lumbini-Tilaurakot-Kudan.

Previously, the electric buses could not operate due to a malfunction at the charging station in Lumbini. Following government directives, the charging station was repaired on Tuesday night, allowing the buses to be put into operation.

Although the bus service has started, it is stated that no fare will be charged to passengers for the time being. However, passengers may voluntarily place money in a donation box.

Officer Bhattarai mentioned that there is a plan to bring all buses into full operation and revealed that the electric bus service will be expanded to areas like Ramgram and Devdaha in the coming days.