Kathmandu Valley Plans Night Bus Network Connecting 8 Municipalities

Kathmandu Valley is set to expand its night-time public transportation system through an inter-municipal transport network connecting eight local governments. The expansion follows encouraging results from a pilot service operated in collaboration between Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Sajha Yatayat. A study task force led by Kathmandu Metropolitan City's traffic expert advisor Jagatman Shrestha has recommended increasing the current fleet from seven to 28 buses and establishing routes connecting major entry points, commercial hubs, hospitals and tourist destinations. Two routes are currently in operation: Nagdhunga/Thankot–Tribhuvan International Airport and Lagankhel–Budhanilkantha. Four additional routes have been proposed, including Godawari–Budhanilkantha, Jagati–Thamel, Kirtipur–Nepal Airlines Corporation in Ratnapark, and a two-way Ring Road service. The expanded network will bring together Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri, Suryabinayak, Madhyapur Thimi, Godawari and Kirtipur municipalities. The pilot service has served 66,952 passengers over three months, with the highest passenger demand recorded between 8 PM and 9 PM. To improve passenger safety, the proposed service will feature CCTV cameras, GPS tracking and dedicated bus stops. The municipalities are also considering a Viability Gap Funding model to share operating losses, while the task force has recommended long-term regulation through an urban public transport authority.