KATHMANDU:  The Kathmandu Metropolitan City  has provided Rs 50 million to the Sajha Yatayat Cooperatives Limited in line with a complementary agreement.

The amount has been provided to the Sajha Yatayat co-op for the expansion of its services in connection with improving the public transport under the 'smart city' campaign.

KMC mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya handed over a cheque for Rs 50 million to Sajha Yatayat Cooperatives Limited chairman Kanak Mani Dixit at a programme here today.

Sajha will operate 12 deluxe buses and one ordinary bus from the money. With this the Sajha would operate 43 buses with support from KMC.

Mayor Shakya said the support is aimed at making a leap in the public transport sector and to displace the small vehicles in the Kathmandu Valley.

The buses to be operated now would provide free service to the senior citizens, citizens holding the poor identity cards, the disabled persons and children under five years of age.

KMC has provided Rs 150 million to Sajha including the amount provided today.

Sajha has been operating its buses for 365 days.