Lalitpur Mayor Proposes Free Sajha Bus Service for City Residents

Kathmandu. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan has put forward an ambitious proposal to make the Sajha bus service operating within the metropolis completely free. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new Sajha Yatayat route, he emphasized that public transport should be service-oriented and sustainable rather than just a business.

Citing examples of many developed cities worldwide where public transport is free, he expressed the view that a similar practice should be initiated in the Kathmandu Valley. Although Sajha Yatayat will bear the expenses for the new route for the first three months, his plan is for the metropolis to manage the budget and make the service free thereafter, instead of collecting fares from passengers.

Mayor Maharjan described Sajha Yatayat as one of Nepal's most successful and experienced organizations, noting that sustaining this service remains a significant challenge. He stated that starting a project is not an achievement in itself, but sustaining it is crucial, and requested Sajha to provide a detailed breakdown of the necessary expenses.

Committing to allocate the necessary funds in the upcoming fiscal year's budget, he also suggested that Sajha request an adequate budget.

This night bus service, launched in coordination with Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chandragiri, and Budhanilkantha municipalities, is equipped with Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras, and municipal police for security, prioritizing passenger safety and convenience.