Sajha Yatayat to Launch Free ‘Blue Bus’ Service for Women in Kathmandu Valley from Mid July

 

Kathmandu. Sajha Yatayat is in the final stages of preparations to launch a free 'Blue Bus' service exclusively for women in the Kathmandu Valley, in line with the government's 100-day action plan.

According to Sajha Yatayat Chief Executive Officer Bhupendra Aryal, the service is expected to begin in mid July, once the Ministry of Finance approves the required budget.

Sajha plans to dedicate eight of its 40 electric buses to the Blue Bus service, which will allow women to travel free of charge.

"We have already completed route management. Once the Ministry of Finance approves the budget and a formal agreement is signed with the government, we will begin repainting the buses," Aryal said. "Since the service is called the 'Blue Bus,' the buses will be painted blue so they can be easily identified."

According to Sajha, the buses will operate on the following routes:

• Two buses: Budhanilkantha–Lagankhel–Godawari

• Two buses: Nagdhunga–Tribhuvan International Airport

Four buses: Ring Road routes

• Two buses: Koteshwor–Gaushala–Kalanki

• Two buses: Koteshwor–Satdobato–Kalanki (clockwise and anti-clockwise)

Sajha Yatayat has already submitted its estimated operating costs to the government for approval.

Aryal said the daily operating cost of a single electric bus is estimated at Rs 10,000–12,000, while the annual operating cost for all eight buses is expected to be around Rs 30 million.

"We have submitted the proposed budget to the Ministry of Finance. As soon as it is approved, the buses will begin operation," he said.

Policy on Male Passengers Yet to Be Finalised

Although the Blue Bus service is being introduced to provide safer and more accessible public transport for women, the government has yet to decide whether male passengers accompanying women will be allowed to travel on the buses.

"It is certain that women will be able to travel free of charge on buses designated for women," Aryal said. "However, further discussion and policy clarification are needed regarding whether male passengers accompanying them will be permitted."

The Blue Bus initiative is part of the government's plan to introduce women-focused public transport services in all seven provinces, with a target of operating at least 25 buses within the first 100 days.

As part of the first phase, the service will be launched in the Kathmandu Valley, with the electric buses expected to operate during the evening hours.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: असार १९, २०८३ १४:१९

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