Nepal Government Announces Free 'Blue Bus' Service for Women in Kathmandu from Saun 1

The government is set to launch a dedicated 'Blue Bus' service in the Kathmandu Valley starting from July 16 (Saun 1) to provide safe, dignified, and comfortable public transportation for women. This initiative is the first phase of a broader plan under the government's recently announced 100 point special agenda, which aims to eventually expand free public transport services for women across all seven provinces of the country.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the government aims to operate a total of 25 'Blue Buses' as part of its policy, program, and 100-day priorities. To manage and streamline the service, 'Sajha Yatayat' has already written to the Ministry of Finance for necessary consultations and financial approvals. As soon as the budget approval is secured from the Finance Ministry, the first batch of eight buses will hit the roads.

In the initial phase, these buses will operate across three major routes in the Valley that experience the highest passenger traffic. Two buses will run on the Lagankhel–Budhanilkantha route, and another two will serve the Thankot–Nagdhunga–Airport route. The Ring Road route will be allocated four buses, with two running clockwise and two running counter clockwise.