Kathmandu Metropolitan City Issues Final Three-Day Ultimatum for Integrated Bus Operations at New Bus Park

Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has issued a final three-day ultimatum for the operation of integrated passenger vehicles from the New Bus Park.

The Metropolitan City had published a public notice on Chaitra 25, requesting that long and short-distance bus services operate from within the bus park. A meeting was held today, chaired by Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, to review progress and coordinate the implementation of upcoming programs.

During the meeting, it was noted that while the transport company operating towards Nuwakot has come into contact, the company operating towards Dhading has ignored the notice. Consequently, companies defying the Metropolitan City's directive have been given a final three-day deadline to join the integrated system.

Acting Mayor Dangol directed the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Force, Bishnu Prasad Joshi, to coordinate with the Nepal Police to monitor the system, which is linked to traffic flow and urban security.

In the meeting, Additional Inspector General of Police Ishwor Karki stated that urban security should be monitored increasingly through technology rather than just manpower. Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa reported that the campaign against hooliganism has led to a decrease in unauthorized activities.

Chief of the Valley Traffic Police Office, Nawaraj Adhikari, emphasized the need to increase collaborative programs between the Metropolitan City and the traffic police to ensure compliance with road signs and traffic discipline.

Discussions were held regarding public vehicle parking, ticket counter operations, passenger boarding and alighting, and the management of public transport.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Jung Shah, an average of 700 public transport vehicles depart from Kathmandu daily. Of these, approximately 350 park, board, and alight passengers outside the bus park, which has become a major challenge in vehicle management in Kathmandu.

According to Pankaj Malla, Human Resources Chief of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., vehicles from 57 companies currently operate from within the New Bus Park. A fee of 450 rupees is charged for parking a long-distance vehicle for nine hours.

Malla stated that 220 rupees is charged for medium and short-distance microbuses. On average, 340 vehicles enter and exit the bus park daily.

The New Bus Park area covers 161 ropanis of land and has the capacity to manage 750 vehicles.