Huge investments pouring into transportation sector

THE trend of investing in the public transportation sector has been rising due to activities like strikes and bandas becoming rarer. Enthused by the brighter situation, Mahalaxmi Bus Services has spent Rs 50 million on 10 new deluxe buses. In the last one and a half years, around 100 new buses have been added to the fleet operating on long and short routes. “The buses will come into operation within Dashain,” said Bhavish Kumar Shrestha, operator of Mahalaxmi Bus Services. “The buses will be operating in Biratnagar, Dharan, Kakkarbhitta, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mahendranagar and Dhankuta.” The latest investment was made by Shrestha, Rajan Kadel and Pushpa Dhan Shakya under the management of the Arihanta Group. According to Shrestha, the buses will be operating under the name of Kosheli Yatayat. To make the travelling experience of the passengers comfortable and enjoyable, the company will provide services like Wi-Fi internet, CCTV camera and TV with superior sound system, among other facilities. Likewise, consumers can make ticket purchases by email too. According to Shrestha, around Rs 450 million has been poured into the sector in one and a half years. Population growth, urbanization and increasing roadway networks have contributed to attracting investments in mass transportation, he added. “Until a few years ago, there were around five buses plying the Biratnagar-Kathmandu route. Now there are 22,” said Kishor Dhamala, central member of the Nepal Transportation Workers Association. “Most of them are premium buses with modern facilities.” Around 200 new public buses have obtained operating permits from the Koshi Zonal Transport Management Office in the last fiscal year. While renowned companies like Makalu and Agni have added buses on the route, new operators like Sajilo, Aayush and Aanukul, among others, have joined them. Buses from Biratnagar to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Dang, Tulsipur, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi operate on a daily basis. Likewise, buses connect Biratnagar with Chainpur and Terhathum in the hilly region. Around 250 small and big buses leave Biratnagar for various destinations daily.