Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 27:

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) and Sajha Yatayat are working in a full swing to begin the much-awaited Kathmandu-Lhasa bus service on Sunday morning.

“Preparation is almost completed and we are waiting for passengers’ visa approval by the Chinese Embassy,” said Mukunda Raj Satyal, executive head of the Sajha Yatayat.

“We are operating the bus service after 11-year-long wait,” he expressed satisfaction adding that the service will help to strengthen ties between Nepal and China.

Sixty-five persons have so far applied for the ticket to go to Lhasa but some of them do not have passports. Altogether 40 passengers, including nine government officials, are scheduled to leave for Lhasa.

The Minister for Labour and Transport Management is scheduled to inaugurate the bus, which will leave Sajha office at Pulchowk on May 1 in the presence of Chinese ambassador to Nepal. A brief function will be organised at the Miteri Sanghu (friendship bridge bordering Nepal and China), where director general of the DoTM, Hari Prasad Nepal, is scheduled to welcome the bus with Chinese government officials on board.

Meanwhile, Sharad Adhikary, technical director at the DoTM, said the Chinese Embassy has issued visa to 48 persons, who are leaving for Lhasa. The Sajha Yatayat has expected that the visa provision will be simplified after buses begin to ply on the route.