KATHMANDU, Aug 14: In a bid to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in Kathmandu Valley, 17 new low emission buses are replacing 26 old microbuses and 35 tempos [three wheelers] on the Gongabu-Sinamangal route. The buses would start operating from Tuesday. 

The replacement is part of a project jointly implemented by the Department of Transport Management and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to make the valley’s transportation system more efficient. 

The government inaugurated the project on Monday. Under the project, the owners of the microbuses and tempos have formed a private limited company to operate the bus service. 

Mukhtor Khamudkhano, ADB Country Director for Nepal, praised the partnership. 

Likewise, Project Director Ananta Acharya said that all stakeholders would benefit from the project. “Owners of the vehicles which were forced to shut down are now shareholders of the new transport company and will be provided with regular dividends. So, it’s a win-win for transport operators, passengers, and most importantly, the environment,” he said. 

The new buses use Global Positioning System (GPS) which enables passengers to track the buses in real time. Each bus has Euro-4 emission standard engines. Along with being hi-tech, the buses are disabled-friendly. 

The total cost of the project is $22.37 million, out of which the government contributed $7.9 million. The capital for this initiative was provided by the Town Development Fund, which is managed by the government and financed by the ADB.

The project is set to manage traffic in the city and make it more pedestrian-friendly by specifying routes along heritage sites only for pedestrians while making public transportation services well distributed and more efficient.

 
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