KATHMANDU: A night bus service has resumed in the Kathmandu Valley from Wednesday through a joint initiative of four local governments, aiming to improve late-evening public transportation and ensure safer mobility.

The service has been launched in coordination with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Budhanilkantha Municipality and Chandragiri Municipality.

Operating daily from 8 pm to 11 pm, the service runs four electric buses managed by Sajha Yatayat across two major routes. The buses are equipped with modern features including CCTV cameras, WiFi and onboard security personnel.

The routes have been designed to cover major commercial centres and hospitals, linking key areas along the east–west and north–south corridors of the valley.

Past Attempts Faced Challenges

This is not the first attempt to introduce night-time public transport in the valley. A similar service launched during the tenure of former Kathmandu mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya was discontinued shortly due to low participation from transport operators.

Likewise, on July 11, 2019, Sajha Yatayat had independently introduced night buses on three routes centred around New Road Gate, but the service was halted due to financial losses and low passenger turnout.

Series of Short Lived Transport Projects

Several other transport initiatives have also struggled to sustain operations. The “Night Heritage Walk” programme launched by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in 2022 failed due to poor planning and lack of coordination.

Similarly, a rapid bus service launched on Constitution Day in 2023 under then minister Prakash Jwala collapsed within a month despite significant investment in infrastructure along the Ratnapark–Suryabinayak route.

The “Hop-on Hop-off” heritage bus service, introduced in May 2023 in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and Sajha Yatayat, also ceased within two months due to insufficient funding and low ridership.

Other Mixed Outcomes

While many projects failed, some initiatives continue. The free airport shuttle bus service introduced around Tribhuvan International Airport under former tourism minister Prem Ale remains in operation, according to airport sources.

In Pokhara, a shuttle service from Pokhara International Airport to Amarsingh Chowk has been launched and will operate free of cost until the end of the fiscal year.

Meanwhile, a “Blue Bus” service launched in Chitwan by Rabi Lamichhane in August 2023 was later suspended due to technical and legal issues.

Hope for Sustainability

Officials say the newly resumed night bus service has better prospects for continuity. Sajha Yatayat Chief Executive Officer Bhupendra Aryal stated that the involvement of multiple local governments increases the likelihood of long-term sustainability.

The service has been introduced as a pilot project using Sajha Yatayat’s internal resources. Aryal noted that operating night shifts incurs an additional cost of Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 per staff per shift.

Local governments have expressed commitment to allocate budgets from the next fiscal year and support the service by covering operational deficits and developing infrastructure such as charging stations and parking facilities.

Authorities hope that improved coordination, funding support and strategic planning will help the night bus service succeed where previous efforts have fallen short.