Kathmandu, September 28
The issue of the government’s failure to launch the women-friendly blue bus service, which was included among its 100-day priorities, has been raised in Parliament.
The issue was raised by Ashok Kumar Chaudhary, a lawmaker from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
“A few days ago, while travelling on public transport from Koteshwor to Maitighar, a woman recognised me and asked, ‘What happened to the government’s plan to operate safe public transport for women?’” he said.
He said the question was not merely that of one woman but the voice of thousands of women who face insecurity, inappropriate touching and harassment while travelling on public transport every day.
“But the sad thing is that instead of questioning the person responsible for the harassment, the victim is still questioned. They are told that such things happen after getting on a bus,” he said.
Stating that safe travel is every citizen’s right, Chaudhary said an environment should be created in which women can travel on public transport without fear.
He also recalled the women-friendly blue bus service included in the government’s 100-day priorities.
“I therefore strongly urge the government to immediately implement the women-friendly blue bus service included in its 100-day priorities,” he said.
The 100-point action plan approved by the Cabinet had set a target of operating free blue bus services for women in all seven provinces and launching at least 25 buses within the first 100 days.
Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle had also announced in the budget statement for fiscal year 2026/27 that blue bus services equipped with CCTV cameras would be operated for women.
The government had assigned the Department of Transport Management and Sajha Yatayat responsibility for operating the blue buses. However, the service has yet to be implemented.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Chaudhary, a lawmaker from the ruling RSP.
