Kathmandu. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help in the feasibility study of operating electric trolley buses along the Ring Road and other major highways in the Kathmandu Valley.

Taking information about the Sustainable Urban Electric Project from ADB Nepal Resident Mission Chief Arnod Kushwa and other officials on Wednesday, Minister Ghising requested for necessary support in operation of trolley bus system.

On the occasion, Minister Ghising said, “Kathmandu-Dhulikhel, Pokhara-Mugling, Butwal-Narayanghat, Butwal-Bhairahawa, Biratnagar-Dharan and other roads are being expanded. ’

The trolley bus service was brought into operation from Tripureshwor of Kathmandu to Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur in 2033 BS with the support of the Chinese government.

With the assistance of the ADB, the projects of Sustainable Urban Electric Project will be implemented in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Metropolitan City and Lumbini-Butwal-Siddharthanagar Corridor for improving public transportation.

Under the project, 250 electric vehicles will be used for public transport. A charging station for electric vehicles, maintenance and operation infrastructures, bicycle land and non-motorable facilities to access the bus stop will be constructed.

The concept paper of the project has been approved. The feasibility study of the project is currently underway. The project will be implemented through the local level concerned by mobilizing it through the Town Development Fund and Infrastructure Development Bank. Pokhara—A proposal has been made to establish Public Transport Authority in Gandaki Province for project implementation in Pokhara Metropolitan City.

The estimated cost of the project is $160 million (approximately Rs 22.56 billion). Out of this, Rs 100 million has been concessional loan from ADB and Rs 40 million has zero interest rate. The rest of the amount will have to be borne by the government.