KMC to Launch Night-Time Public Transport Service from April 14, 2026
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced the launch of a dedicated night-time public transport service aimed at improving urban mobility, affordability, and commuter safety after dark.
The service will begin from Baisakh 1, 2083 (April 14, 2026) in partnership with Sajha Yatayat, deploying electric buses on two major transit corridors.
The initiative is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by late-night commuters, particularly limited public transport availability, rising dependence on expensive private vehicles, and safety concerns affecting women, students, and other vulnerable groups.
The pilot phase will operate four electric buses across two strategically planned routes.
The first, a 16-kilometer route, connects Lagankhel in Lalitpur to Budhanilkantha, passing key healthcare hubs including Patan Hospital, Bir Hospital, Teaching Hospital, and Gangalal Heart Centre.
The second is a 20-kilometer route, spanning from Thankot to Tribhuvan International Airport, covering major city nodes such as Kalanki, Tripureshwor, Baneshwor, and Tinkune, and improving connectivity across Kathmandu’s primary transit spine.
The night buses will operate between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, maintaining a 20-minute frequency at designated stops to ensure predictable and reliable service.
To enhance commuter safety, each bus will be equipped with CCTV surveillance systems, and municipal police personnel will be deployed onboard to deter harassment and ensure passenger security.
Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasized that the service is aimed at addressing both economic and safety barriers in late-night travel. She noted that the lack of reliable public transport after 8:00 PM has disproportionately impacted students, working professionals, and women, forcing many to rely on costly or unsafe alternatives.
The metropolitan office has also indicated openness to further partnerships with transport stakeholders to expand and refine the service in the future, with the broader goal of developing a more integrated 24-hour urban mobility system for Kathmandu.
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