Public Transportation Assessment Along Kathmandu Bhaktapur Route

Abstract

The transportation sector of Kathmandu Valley is facing numerous intricacies because of soaring population density. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the number of vehicles that ply the Valley roads at present is 1.75 million. Just a year ago, traffic police data showed the number to be 1.4 million. Also, only about 20% of the vehicles are used for public service suggesting that public transportation management has been a major challenge in Kathmandu Valley. This leads to an increase in travel time coupled with huge traffic congestion. The Kathmandu Bhaktapur route is around 13 KM in length and is used by more than 68000 passengers on normal days and more than 56000 passengers on public holidays; but the service offered is not reliable and systematic and needs to be upgraded. Significant travel duration due to low running speed, and unnecessary and frequent stops at short distances proved to be the major issues. After the removal of unnecessary stations, 3200 passengers’ hours can be saved.