Minister Badri Prasad Pandey Inspects Sorhakhutte Tourist Bus Station

KATHMANDU, Jan 08:The Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA), led by  its President Kumar Mani Thapaliya, conducted an inspection of the Sorhakhutte Tourist Bus Station by Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, on Tuesday morning

The site visit, held at 6:30 AM, was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). This initiative aimed to evaluate the current state of the bus station and the services provided to tourists traveling to major destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan.

Accompanied by board members from NATTA and the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN), Minister Pandey observed the operational aspects of the station as buses prepared for departure. The inspection highlighted the pressing need for a dedicated and well-equipped tourist bus terminal in Kathmandu, a city that has been a focal point of Nepal's tourism since the 1950s.

Despite the significant growth in tourist arrivals and the establishment of proper bus terminals in cities like Pokhara and Chitwan, Kathmandu—the nation's capital and primary gateway for international visitors—still lacks a dedicated tourist bus park. This inadequacy has led to operational challenges and has impacted the overall experience of travellers.

In June 2018, the tourist bus park was relocated from Kantipath to Sorhakhutte to alleviate traffic congestion in the city center. However, the current facilities at Sorhakhutte remain insufficient to meet the growing demands of the tourism sector. 

NATTA President Mr. Thapaliya emphasized the association's commitment to addressing this issue, stating, "We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including the Pashupati Area Development Trust, to identify suitable locations and expedite the establishment of a dedicated tourist bus park in Kathmandu. Our goal is to enhance the infrastructure to provide safe, organized, and dignified services to our valued tourists." 

Minister Pandey acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that the Ministry is prioritizing the development of tourism infrastructure in Kathmandu. He stated, "A dedicated tourist bus terminal is essential for improving the travel experience of our visitors and supporting the growth of our tourism industry. We will work collaboratively with NATTA and other stakeholders to realize this objective promptly."

NATTA remain steadfast in their efforts to enhance Nepal's tourism infrastructure and services, recognizing that such developments are crucial for achieving the nation's tourism goals and providing exceptional experiences for all visitors.