Government Prepares to Launch 'Blue Bus' Service in All Seven Provinces

Kathmandu. The government has moved forward with preparations to operate 'Blue Buses' in all seven provinces targeting women. Preparations are underway to operate the 'Blue Bus' service free of charge to ensure safe, easy, and dignified public transportation for women as per the government's 100-day agenda.

According to the action plan, the target is to bring at least 25 buses into operation within the first 100 days. Under this, a plan is being advanced to operate at least seven buses as 'Blue Buses' in collaboration with Sajha Yatayat within the Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, preparations are being made to operate at least 18 buses outside the Kathmandu Valley in coordination with transport entrepreneurs' associations in all provinces.

According to the ministry, the draft proposal including the necessary procedures, timetable action plan, cost estimates by title, and operational responsibilities for the operation of the Blue Bus service has already been received from Sajha Yatayat. The ministry has stated that the necessary administrative and technical preparations are being carried out based on the received proposal.

According to the ministry, continuous coordination is being maintained with Sajha Yatayat for the operation of the Blue Bus service in the Kathmandu Valley. The proposal prepared with various options for service operation has been submitted to the ministry for decision, and the necessary processes have been initiated.

The government has planned to gradually expand the Blue Bus service by prioritizing the safety of women and girls in public transportation. The ministry has stated that the necessary budget and programs for operating the Blue Bus service in all seven provinces in the upcoming fiscal year have also been proposed.

It is expected that once the Blue Bus service is operational, it will provide a safe and easy travel environment, especially for students, workers, employees, and women who use public transport daily. It is also believed that this will help reduce the harassment and insecurity experienced in public transportation.

CCTV and Dashcams in Public Transport Priority has been given to installing CCTV and dashcams to control gender-based violence and crime in public transport.

According to the progress report, CCTV and dashcams have been installed and operated in 111 buses of Sajha Yatayat, 46 buses of Mahanagar Yatayat, and three buses of Pasthapokhari Sunailo Yatayat.

The ministry has stated that the work of installing them in other public transport vehicles is also underway. Arrangements have been made for monitoring through the traffic police.

A draft of the standards for making public vehicles technology-friendly, safe, and passenger-friendly has been prepared and sent to the ministry for approval.