A modern night bus service connecting Jajarkot’s district headquarters, Khalanga, with Kathmandu has begun operating for the first time, offering passengers a new option for travelling to the capital in greater comfort.

The service was launched through a joint initiative of Jajarkot Dolpa Transport Service, Madhya Paschim Transport Service and Surkhet Kakrebihar Transport Service. It aims to make long-distance journeys more convenient, comfortable and safe.

Inaugurating the service, Chief District Officer Nawaraj Baral said the introduction of modern, well-equipped buses on the long-distance route would make travel easier and help improve passenger safety and reliability. He described the initiative as a positive step towards providing quality transport services with passengers’ needs as a priority.

According to Lokendra Chand, office chief of Jajarkot Dolpa Transport Service, six buses, each with a capacity of 41 passengers, are currently operating on the route.

Each bus costs more than Rs10 million. Facilities vary by vehicle but include VIP seats, sleeper seats, drinking water, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, LED displays and free internet access.

Although the government-set fare for the Jajarkot-Kathmandu route is Rs4,066, passengers are currently being charged Rs3,500, Chand said.

With airfares rising, the bus service offers a more affordable alternative for people travelling to the capital. Resident Nagendra Shah said he was pleased to have access to a well-equipped bus at a comparatively low price.

“Being able to travel to Kathmandu in a comfortable, well-equipped bus for just Rs3,500 is good news for passengers,” Shah said.

The service currently operates only from Khalanga, but plans are underway to extend it to Tallubagar in Nalgad Municipality and Kalimati, Chand said.

The launch marks a new transport option for residents of Jajarkot, with modern technology and passenger amenities intended to make the long journey to Kathmandu more comfortable.