KATHMANDU, April 21: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has given a final three-day deadline to bring all passenger transport services under an integrated system operating from the New Bus Park. After that, running buses from wherever drivers feel like parking them will, supposedly, stop being tolerated.
The metropolis had earlier issued a public notice on April 7, urging both long- and short-distance buses to operate from within the bus park. A meeting chaired by Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol on Monday reviewed progress and discussed coordination for implementing the plan.
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During the meeting, it was reported that companies operating routes toward Nuwakot have come into contact with authorities, while those running services toward Dhading have ignored the notice. Those defying the directive have now been given a final three-day ultimatum to join the integrated system.
Dangol also instructed Metropolitan Police Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi to coordinate with Nepal Police to monitor compliance, linking the system to smoother traffic flow and urban security.
At the meeting, Additional Inspector General Ishwar Karki stressed the need to strengthen urban security through technology rather than relying solely on manpower. Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa noted that anti-hooliganism efforts have reduced unauthorized activities.
Chief of the Valley Traffic Police Office, Navaraj Adhikari, emphasized stronger coordination between the metropolis and traffic police to enforce road signs and discipline. Discussions also covered parking management, ticket counter operations, passenger boarding and drop-offs, and overall public transport management.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Jung Shah, around 700 public vehicles leave Kathmandu daily. Of these, about 350 still park, pick up, and drop off passengers outside the bus park. This remains one of the city’s key traffic management headaches.
Pankaj Malla, HR head of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., said 57 companies currently operate from inside the New Bus Park. Parking fees stand at Rs 450 for nine hours for long-distance vehicles, and Rs 220 for medium- and short-distance microbuses. On average, about 340 vehicles move in and out of the bus park daily.
The New Bus Park spans 161 ropanis and has the capacity to manage around 750 vehicles. In theory, at least, there’s space for everyone to follow the rules. Whether they actually will is another story.
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