KMC Acting Mayor Outlines Vision to Prioritize Public Transport Over Private Vehicles

Kathmandu: Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has stated that the metropolis's primary goal is to reach a stage where private vehicle usage is reduced and public transport becomes the first choice. 

During separate meetings and discussions with organizations, experts, and officials from relevant agencies working on the development and improvement of the public transport system, Acting Mayor Dangol emphasized the need to work through participatory and partnership-based mechanisms.

During the discussion held on Sunday, she said, "There is a situation where people cannot find a vehicle when returning home after work, and the vehicles that are finally found are extremely crowded. In such circumstances, adolescent girls and women face severe harassment. These problems must be improved immediately." 

She clarified that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City remains open to discussing with experts and stakeholders from the thinking and planning stages, with the goal of making the city's public transport system modern, integrated, easy, safe, and reliable.

In a discussion with World Bank representatives on Sunday, Acting Mayor Dangol stressed the need to develop a public transport system based on local needs and conditions, saying, "We will work based on facts provided by studies conducted within our own context." 

On the same day, a meeting was also held with Kuber Nepali, Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Capital Urban Area Public Transport Council. During that meeting, discussions focused on the council's work so far, the plans prepared, and future directions. The discussions covered topics such as GIS services, smart traffic monitoring systems, integrated applications, data collection, and route management.

In a previous discussion with officials from Sajha Yatayat, the possibility of operating night-time electric buses connecting Patan Hospital to various major hospitals, as well as routes from Kalanki to Tribhuvan International Airport via Tripureshwor, Maitighar, and Baneshwor, was also discussed. During the deliberations, Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain, traffic expert Jagatman Shrestha, and other officials provided feedback.

The Metropolitan City has prioritized the operation and management of environment-friendly and passenger-friendly public transport. To achieve this, it has identified the implementation of an IT-based cashless integrated transport system, real-time information systems, the construction of bus stops and public toilets, and the management of roads friendly to pedestrians, persons with disabilities, and cyclists as key challenges.