The service was operated as per an agreement signed between the two countries last year. Nepal and India had agreed to operate the friendship bus service through Gadda Chauk and four other border points.Mahakali Seti Transport Entrepreneurs Committee (MSTEC) and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will operate one 37-seat capacity AC Deluxe Bus simultaneously between the two cities. The number of buses will be added as per the demand.
At present, only the buses of the UPSRTC are operating as buses belonging to the MSTEC are yet to hit the street due to delay in obtaining permits. The bus service will be officially operated after the MSTEC obtains the necessary permits.
"We have already obtained permission from the Indian embassy. Our application is currently being processed in India's foreign ministry," informed Nabin Bhatta, chairman of MSTEC. "We will also be able to run our buses very soon," he added.
Chairman of the UPSRTC, Hakim Singh, along with few other officials of the committee visited Mahendranagar after the service came into operation. "The bus service will benefit people of both the countries. Hence, it is a good news for all of us," said Singh.
Dambar Pant, vice-chairman of the UPSRTC, said the operation of the friendship bus service will strengthen relationship between the two countries. "It not only eases transportation between the two countries, it will also make the relationship between Nepal and India stronger," said Pant.
According to the agreement, a bus will leave Mahendranagar at 6 pm and New Delhi at 9 pm every evening.
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