Kathmandu. Pokhara—A free shuttle bus service has been launched in Pokhara on the occasion of Nepali New Year. On the occasion of Nepali New Year 2083, a free electric shuttle bus service has been launched from Pokhara International Airport to Ammarsingh Chowk. 

The service was formally launched by Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya.The service was launched in collaboration with Metropolitan Transport Pvt Ltd, Agriculture Development Bank and Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank at the initiative of Pokhara Metropolitan City.

This service will be available for free until mid-July as a pilot project. After that, it is planned to operate regularly at a minimum fee. According to Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, the service has been launched as an alternative to the high taxi fare while going from the airport to Lakeside or other places of the city. 

Acharya said that in the first phase, 2 buses will be operated with the objective of bringingpassengers from the airport to the main chowk area.There will be 32 electric buses with 32 seats, which will provide a comfortable travel experience as well as luggage storage. Two buses will ply from 6 am to 10 pm daily. Pokhara airport handles around 5,000 passengers daily.