The recent report on the Kathmandu Valley Public Transport System, prepared under the Kathmandu Sustainable Urban Transport Project (KUTP), proposes dividing the valley's routes into three tiers. Under this plan, primary routes will operate 12-metre-long large buses or 18-metre or longer articulated battery-powered electric buses on main roads, for which eight major routes have been identified. Secondary routes will operate 9- to 10-metre medium-sized buses, while tertiary routes will serve inner and narrow roads. Small vehicles and electric tempos will provide services on tertiary routes and act as feeder services connecting passengers to the large bus routes on the main roads. This system is expected to connect residential areas of the valley more efficiently with the main commercial centres.
Similarly, the report suggests replacing old and small vehicles with modern, low-emission, disability-friendly large buses. To reduce congestion at the Old Bus Park and Ratna Park in the heart of the city, a new intercity terminal is proposed in Koteshwor. Modern bus stops will be built every 400 to 600 metres for passengers' convenience, and dedicated bus lanes will be introduced on main roads to prioritise buses. This aims to reduce travel time and save fuel.
Moreover, the report recommends establishing a separate Public Transport Directorate under the Department of Transport Management. It also proposes forming empowered bodies such as the Kathmandu Transport Management Committee and the Kathmandu Valley Bus Agency, with transport operations entrusted to the private sector and regulation to the government. The report also mentions the introduction of an integrated fare system (smart-card ticketing) and modern bus stops for passenger convenience.
To modernise Kathmandu's public transport, the government has also planned to focus on electric mobility, technology-driven safety protocols, and late-night services. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has proposed mandatory guidelines requiring GPS tracking, CCTV, and digital ticketing in all public vehicles to enhance passenger safety and fleet accountability. The present system of operating public transport through countless individuals and private companies should be consolidated into five or six large limited companies.
Revised interest rate corridor system introduced
At present, the general public is forced to use chaotic and poorly managed buses, microbuses, and tempos in the Kathmandu Valley. These vehicles are mostly operated by powerful private transport syndicates that try to control fares, resist government regulations, and fiercely oppose the introduction of modern mass-transit systems to protect their profits. A glance at bus parks, city bus stands, and other roadside locations clearly reveals the hardships, compulsion, and safety challenges faced by the majority of public transport users. In addition, pollution is one of the biggest problems affecting the Kathmandu Valley. Diesel buses, in particular, produce significantly higher emissions than petrol vehicles and are far more polluting than electric vehicles.
Previously, Nepal had relatively good public transport systems operated by state agencies, which were well ahead of the private sector. State agencies operated the trolleybus service between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, while Sajha Yatayat provided city bus services within the Kathmandu Valley as well as long-distance intercity services from Kathmandu to several cities.
The Kathmandu Trolleybus System, which connected Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, opened in 1975 as a gift from the People's Republic of China. For 34 years, it served as one of the most convenient and reliable means of transportation for residents of both cities. However, its operation was completely suspended in November 2009 due to the government's inability to sustain it. Likewise, the government-owned Sajha Yatayat, which had been operating since 1962, also declined because of poor state management. These buses were the public's preferred mode of transport because of their reliability and comfort. Later, a cooperative revived the service under the name Sajha Yatayat, currently operating buses in the Kathmandu Valley. Following the collapse of these two state-owned transport systems, public transport became poorly managed, while private-sector monopoly and cartelisation increased.
In the current situation, metro rail may be the long-term solution for Kathmandu's public transport. However, it could take decades to complete, requiring enormous investment, long-term vision, and highly capable management. Therefore, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system appears to be a more appropriate and affordable option for Nepal, particularly for the Kathmandu Valley. Under the BRT system, integrated long electric buses would provide an efficient means of public transport. The system should be designed to offer greater capacity, reliability, and service quality than conventional bus systems. Typically, BRT includes dedicated bus lanes, priority for buses at intersections, and infrastructure that minimises delays caused by boarding, alighting, and fare collection. Given the high concentration and movement of people to and from core areas such as Ratna Park, Singha Durbar, and Bhrikuti Mandap, these locations should receive priority under the BRT network.
Public transport should be accessible and convenient for every citizen. People rely on public transport to reach workplaces, educational institutions, health facilities, markets, and other essential services. It also provides independent mobility for children too young to drive, older people, low-income households without private vehicles, those who do not hold a driver's licence, and people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Kneeling buses and low-floor boarding have significantly improved accessibility for people with limited mobility.
Comfortable and reliable public transport has a direct impact on people's welfare and earning potential. Its extensive use not only improves quality of life but also contributes to a healthier urban environment. For women, public transport plays an even more important role by providing access to social, economic, and life-enriching opportunities and services. In many countries, state-run public transport systems are not expected to generate substantial profits, as governments primarily operate them to provide affordable services to the public. Recently, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), in partnership with Sajha Yatayat, launched an evening electric bus service operating from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM along key corridors. Likewise, the concept of operating free blue buses for women is a commendable initiative.
Since the government has not had a strong track record of independently operating public transport systems, state-owned companies should work in partnership with the private sector to operate and manage BRT and electric bus services under a powerful transport authority responsible for overall administration and management. It is equally important to strengthen the capacity of all levels of government to effectively plan and implement public transport systems in Nepal. The federal government should play the leading role in policy formulation, long-term planning, funding, safety oversight, and implementation of the national transport system. Public transport should become a national priority, with substantially increased state investment in infrastructure and related sectors. The federal, provincial, and local governments, working in partnership with the private sector, should share responsibility for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of public transport systems in their respective jurisdictions.
The author is a former Government of Nepal and UNDP official, author of three books, and a freelance writer who regularly contributes to Republica.
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