Fresh push to operate electric buses in Lumbini

By Our Correspondent

Bhairahawa, Apr. 12: Efforts have gained renewed momentum to bring into operation electric buses introduced nearly five years ago in the Lumbini area with support from the Asian Development Bank, aimed at promoting tourism and protecting the environment.

The buses have remained unused for a long time, but stakeholders are now increasingly discussing how to utilise them effectively.

The Lumbini Development Trust has already handed over five electric buses to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. At present, the buses are stationed on the premises of Gautam Buddha International Airport. Various options are under discussion regarding their management and operation.

Local representatives and stakeholders have stressed that the buses should be operated in a way that contributes directly to tourism promotion in the Lumbini area. 

Arjun Kurmi, a local, said that such modern buses, introduced for a site of international significance like Lumbini, should be managed properly, expressing confidence that they would support regional development.

Shyam Kishor Sah, General Manager of Gautam Buddha International Airport, said there is a potential to operate the buses within Bhairahawa. 

According to him, running the buses as a shuttle service between the airport and Lumbini would ease passenger movement and directly support tourism. He added that efforts are underway to allocate at least two buses for airport operations.

Earlier, trial runs were conducted on the Belahiya–Lumbini and Lumbini–Tilaurakot routes, which demonstrated the feasibility of operating electric vehicles, according to stakeholders.

At present, the buses require maintenance and technical management. They are equipped with modern features, including 19 seats with standing capacity for up to 35 passengers, full air-conditioning, disability-friendly access, automatic doors, card-based operation, and quiet performance. Each bus can travel up to around 400 kilometres on a full charge.

Airport authorities have said they are ready to operate the buses after necessary repairs and equipment management. There is also potential to start services using the existing charging station in Lumbini.

Under the Clean Energy Project, five buses and 14 electric vans were brought to Lumbini in December 2020 at a cost of around Rs. 130 million. Although they could not be fully operated earlier due to procedural, manpower and legal challenges, stakeholders are now showing renewed commitment to put them into effective use.