KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has issued a final three-day deadline for transport operators to begin providing integrated passenger vehicle services from the New Bus Park.
The metropolitan office had earlier published a public notice on April 8, urging operators of both long- and short-distance bus services to operate in a unified manner from within the bus park.
A meeting chaired by Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol on Tuesday reviewed the progress made so far and discussed coordination for implementing upcoming plans.
During the meeting, it was reported that transport companies operating towards Nuwakot have come into contact with authorities, while those operating towards Dhading have ignored the notice. Such companies have now been given a final three-day ultimatum to join the integrated system.
Discussions also focused on easing traffic movement and strengthening urban security. Acting Mayor Dangol directed Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bishnu Prasad Joshi to coordinate with Nepal Police and form a joint monitoring team for effective regulation.
She highlighted growing complaints related to noise pollution and disturbances in areas such as Thamel, as well as concerns over undesirable activities in businesses like spas and issues faced by hostel operators. Dangol emphasized that coordinated monitoring by both police bodies could yield more effective management outcomes.
Additional Inspector General Ishwar Karki stressed the need to enhance urban security through technology rather than relying solely on manpower.
Similarly, Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa said that anti-hooliganism campaigns have reduced unauthorized activities. He also informed that 20 foreign women involved in prohibited activities in the Thamel area have been deported, adding that surveillance on crime remains ongoing.
Chief of the Valley Traffic Police Office Nawaraj Adhikari underlined the need for stronger coordination between the metropolitan office and traffic police to enforce road discipline and signage compliance.
The meeting primarily focused on issues such as public vehicle parking, ticket counter operations, passenger boarding and drop-off, and overall management of public transportation.
Authorities also reviewed the continued operation of transport services outside the designated bus park area despite repeated notices and agreements, emphasizing the need for stricter control and management.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Jung Shah, an average of 700 public vehicles leave Kathmandu daily, with around 350 operating outside the bus park area for parking and passenger handling—posing a major challenge for vehicle management in the city.
Pankaj Malla, Human Resource Chief of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., said that 57 transport companies are currently operating from within the New Bus Park. A long-distance vehicle is charged Rs 450 for nine hours of parking, while medium and short-distance microbuses are charged Rs 220.
On average, around 340 vehicles operate daily from the bus park, providing services to destinations including Pokhara, Nuwakot, Butwal, Syangja, and Dang.
The New Bus Park spans 161 ropanis and has the capacity to manage up to 750 vehicles.
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