DHARAN: The Smart Bus Park in Ward 8 of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City officially began operations on Saturday, aiming to improve public transportation services and ease traffic congestion.

Constructed through 50-50 cost sharing between the federal government and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, the project was completed at a cost of Rs 248.6 million on a 9,142.98-square-meter site. The facility can accommodate 38 buses, 18 jeeps, 60 autos, 72 two-wheelers, and several cars.

The bus park includes a passenger waiting lounge for about 300 people, ticket counters, ATM booths, CCTV surveillance, public toilets, a first-aid room, a mini-mart, 18 commercial shutters, and a dedicated station for 22 autos. Officials said the new facility is expected to make Dharan’s public transportation system more organized, safer, and more passenger-friendly.