New Kathmandu transport master plan proposes metro rail linking Ratna Park and Bhaktapur
Summary
Kathmandu Valley’s new 25-year transport master plan proposes a 14.6-kilometre metro rail linking Ratna Park and Bhaktapur, along with major road, bridge and traffic upgrades. The blueprint also includes a Bus Rapid Transit system, car-free zones and reforms to public transport operations.
Key Points
- The government has prepared a new Kathmandu Valley transport master plan for 2050 with support from JICA, focusing on mass transit, road upgrades and traffic management.
- Its flagship proposal is a 14.6-kilometre metro rail between Ratna Park and Bhaktapur, with underground stretches in the city centre and elevated sections elsewhere.
- The plan also recommends a BRT system on the Ring Road, new bridges, upgraded junctions, cycle lanes and an emergency road network.
- Officials want the report finalised and sent to the Cabinet, but coordination issues remain over the Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway and its alignment.
