The Nepal Tourism Board has launched a free shuttle bus service to facilitate travel for domestic and international air passengers on Thursday, as Nepal votes in elections.

The board said the service was introduced to help tourists and air travellers move easily across the Kathmandu Valley and reach Tribhuvan International Airport, as public transport has remained off the roads today.

According to the board, the shuttle service began operating at 5am on Thursday and will continue until 7pm, connecting the airport with major tourist hotels and key locations in the Valley.

The first route links the airport with areas including New Road, Kantipath, Thamel, Lainchaur, Hotel Malla, Naya Bazaar, Shangri-La Hotel, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, Durbar Marg, Hotel Yak and Yeti, Nagpokhari, Gaushala, before returning to the airport.

The second route connects the airport with Maharajgunj, Narayanhiti area, Dhumbarahi, Chabahil, Boudha, Hyatt Regency, Jorpati, and Gaushala.

The third route links Kupandole, Tripureshwar, Kalanki, The Soaltee Kathmandu, Ekantakuna, Satdobato, Gwarko, Royal Tulip Kathmandu, Tinkune, New Baneshwar, and Everest Hotel before reaching the airport.

The board said buses will operate regularly along these routes throughout the day.

Acting director Sunil Sharma urged passengers to make use of the shuttle service to ensure timely travel to the airport and safe movement to their destinations on election day.