KATHMANDU: Preparations are underway to operate eight ‘Blue Bus’ services in the Kathmandu Valley during the first phase starting July 17.

This free service is part of the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda, which aims to ensure safe travel for women by rolling out these specialized buses across all seven provinces.

Ram Hari Pokharel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, stated that a total of 25 buses will be brought into operation within the first 100 days of the program.

To initiate the service, Sajha Yatayat has officially written to the Ministry of Finance for its review and recommendations.

The bus service will launch as soon as the ministry gives its formal consent.

In the initial rollout, two buses will service the Lagankhel–Budhanilkantha route, while another two will operate along the Thankot–Nagdhunga–Airport route.

Additionally, the ministry noted that four buses will run along the Ring Road area, with two moving in a clockwise direction and two running counter-clockwise.