"Heaven's Route": My Personal Battle Against a Broken Public Transport System and the Quest for a Livable Kathmandu

The Daily Gamble: A "One-Way Route to Heaven"

My daily commute, not so long ago, felt like a gamble with fate. The phrase "one-way route to heaven" isn't an exaggeration when you're on a poorly maintained bus spewing thick black smoke, rattling with alarming sounds, driven by someone seemingly in a hurry to get there, all while navigating Kathmandu's notorious traffic jams. The overcrowding, the unreliability, the lack of cleanliness – it all added up to a profoundly uncomfortable and, frankly, unsafe experience. It was this cumulative frustration that ultimately compelled me to switch to a private vehicle, seeking respite from what felt like an impossible daily challenge.

The Invisible Enemy: Air Pollution and Public Transport

Beyond the immediate discomfort, one of the most alarming aspects of my public transport experience was the sheer environmental impact. Despite wearing a mask, the hazardous air pollution in Kathmandu Valley was palpable. Unmaintained and outdated vehicles are major contributors to this crisis 9. This isn't just about inconvenience; it's about public health. The black smoke, the noise, the endless gridlock – it’s a silent assault on the lungs of every commuter and resident.

Why My Story Matters: A Reflection of Systemic Issues

My frustration, it turns out, is shared by many. Public transport in Nepal faces a myriad of issues that make it far from passenger-friendly 9. These include:

• Poor Service and Overcrowding: A fundamental mismatch between demand and supply, leading to the discomfort I experienced daily 2.
• Safety Concerns: Beyond reckless driving, the lack of proper CCTV surveillance makes passengers vulnerable to theft and misconduct 2. The case of Reema BK, whose lost belongings were never recovered despite finding the bus, highlights this accountability gap 2.
• Unreliable Schedules: Drivers often wait until vehicles are excessively full, completely disregarding schedules, leading to frustrating delays 6. This lack of discipline makes planning nearly impossible for commuters.
• Lack of Accessibility: The system largely ignores the needs of people with disabilities, forcing them to endure exclusionary and challenging journeys 2.

Beyond Road Widening: Towards a Livable Community

The government's strategy of repeatedly widening roads to ease traffic congestion, while understandable, often sidesteps the core issue of developing a sustainable public transportation system 17. Land is a scarce resource, and this approach offers only temporary relief 1. World-class cities have demonstrated that true traffic solutions lie in robust public transport 1.

As highlighted in a recent symposium in Kathmandu, public transport is not just about moving people; it's about building a just, equitable, and livable community 3. A quality public transport system can be a powerful tool for:

• Sustainable Economic Growth: Reducing reliance on private vehicles, lowering fuel consumption, and alleviating traffic congestion contribute to a more sustainable economy 3.
• Improved Quality of Life: By ensuring timely, comfortable, and safe travel, it enhances productivity and well-being 6.
• Reduced Accidents and Pollution: Better maintained vehicles and regulated driving can significantly lower accident rates and air pollution 1.

The Path to a Better Tomorrow:

The insights from experts and successful models like Delhi Metro (with its CCTV, panic buttons, and digital payment systems) point towards clear solutions 2:

• Strategic Investment: Prioritizing budget allocation for essential safety measures and modern infrastructure 8.
• Enforcement and Regulation: Implementing strict rules for schedules, vehicle maintenance, and driver conduct, with proper enforcement from authorities like traffic police 6.
• Technology Integration: Adopting digital payment systems, real-time tracking, and surveillance for improved reliability and safety 2.
• Passenger-Centric Design: Training drivers and conductors to treat passengers with respect and empathy, and designing systems that prioritize passenger comfort and dignity 6.
• Promoting Electric Vehicles: The success of Sajha Yatayat's electric buses (running at a profit of Rs 1,900 daily) compared to their conventional buses (running at a loss) demonstrates a viable path towards cleaner and more profitable public transport 3.

My frustrating commute became a catalyst for change in my own life. Now, I hope my story, combined with the growing calls for reform, can be a small catalyst for systemic change. It’s time for Nepal to stop treating public transport as a mere convenience and start seeing it as the cornerstone of a livable, healthy, and sustainable future for all.

References:

1. https://www.b360nepal.com/detail/5822/public-transportation-issues-challenges-and-way-forward
2. https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/55090/
3. https://kathmandupost.com/columns/2025/04/13/public-transport-for-a-livable-community
4. https://speakupnepal.org/en/post/f8YCZZsVAyqWGDDx
5. https://www.scribd.com/document/832000743/Challenges-and-Opportunities-in-Nepal-s-Transportation-System
6. https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/travel-delay-and-passenger-discomfort-a-silent-crisis-on-nepals-roads
7. https://www.borgenmagazine.com/paving-the-way-improving-transportation-in-nepal/
8. https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/transportation-challenges-in-nepal-consequences-and-solutions
9. https://english.onlinekhabar.com/public-transport-in-nepal-problems.html
10. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/62993