Maitri Bus Service bridges Delhi-Kathmandu, carrying 17,603 passengers in one year

The Delhi-Kathmandu international bus service, managed by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), saw substantial utilisation from August 2023 to August 2024, with 17,603 passengers travelling along this route, as revealed by an RTI response.

Known as the Delhi-Kathmandu Maitri Bus Sewa, this service highlights the strong bond between India and Nepal, making it a popular travel option.

Of the total passengers, 4,782 were Indian nationals, 12,471 were Nepalese citizens, and 350 were from other countries, according to the RTI query filed by a PTI reporter.

On average, over 1,000 people used this service monthly, indicating steady demand. November 2023 recorded the highest passenger count of 1,611, while the lowest was in August 2023, with 1,078 travellers.

Spanning a distance of 1,167 kilometres, the fare for the journey is Rs 2,300. The service operates six days a week, with DTC buses running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Nepal’s Manjushree Yatayat buses on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. DTC uses Volvo buses for the route, while Manjushree Yatayat deploys Marco Polo buses.

The DTC website outlines designated halts at Firozabad, Faizabad, Mugling, and Sonauli (India-Nepal border) for customs checks. Passengers cannot board or disembark at other points along the route.

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Indian and Nepalese citizens must carry valid government-issued photo IDs like a passport or voter ID card, while foreign nationals need a valid passport and visa to travel, according to the guidelines.

Launched on November 25, 2014, from Dr Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal near Delhi Gate, the service offers air-conditioned buses with 2×2 comfortable seating.

Currently, only diesel buses operate on this route as there are no CNG or electric buses available.

The Delhi-Kathmandu bus service serves as a dependable and cost-effective travel option for pilgrims, tourists, and the general public, fostering smooth connectivity between the two nations and symbolising friendship and cooperation.

On Monday, Nepal and India agreed to enhance coordination for ensuring smooth movement of citizens across their shared open borders. Nepal shares a 1,850-km border with five Indian states—Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

(With inputs from PTI)