KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has approved 23 additional inter-provincial routes, increasing the total number of approved routes from 280 to 303.
The decision was made at a department meeting on October 12. The department has instructed vehicle testing centers to implement the new routes in accordance with existing regulations.
The newly approved routes connect Kathmandu and other cities with destinations across different provinces. Some routes will operate during the day, while others will allow both day and night services.
The expansion is expected to improve public transport connectivity and make passenger and freight movement easier across the country.
Among the newly approved routes are Kathmandu–Hetauda–Birgunj (161 km), Hetauda–Sindhuli–Itahari (329 km), Biratnagar–Hetauda–Narayanghat–Kathmandu (552 km) and Rajbiraj–Hetauda–Narayanghat–Kathmandu (476 km).
Other routes include Khoksi–Siraha–Hetauda–Kathmandu (457 km), Kathmandu–Narayanghat–Bardibas–Jaleshwar (417 km), Kathmandu–Narayanghat–Janakpur–Manara (402 km), Kathmandu–Narayanghat–Janakpur–Bhitthamod (396 km) and Kathmandu–Narayanghat–Janakpur–Khajuri (418 km).
The department has also approved additional routes linking several towns and districts. The new permissions are intended to expand transport options and improve access to inter-provincial public transport services.
