Makawanpur, Dec 7

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure in Bagmati State has readied seven routes for the operation of electric buses by replacing fossil fuel-based vehicles. As said by the Ministry, such routes have been readied in the State’s major cities; Hetauda, Bharatpur, Sindhulimadhi, Bidur, Dhulikhel, Kathmandu Valley and Dhadingbesi. Minister Rameshwor Phuyal said private sector has been urged to operate electric vehicles on such specific routes.

Talking to RSS today, Phuyal said 119 local units have been urged to build charging stations and eight local governments including the Bharatpur Metropolis, Hetauda Sub-Metropolis, Kageshwori and Shankharapur Municipalities and Galchhi Rural Municipality have already sent letters to the Ministry, expressing willingness to provide land to build such stations. The Nepal Electricity Authority, Town Development Fund, respective local levels and the state government are preparing collectively to establish charging stations.

According to the Minister, notice has been issued for the appointments of executive director and deputy –executive director on the Transport Operation and Management Board and the selection will take place on the basis of merit. Replacing all fossil fuel-based vehicles by the electric ones by upcoming 2085 BS remains one of the first policies and programmes of the Bagmati State government.