First bus reaches Chame from Besisahar, regular service set to begin soon

KATHMANDU: The first-ever bus from Besisahar has successfully reached Chame for a test run on the Besisahar-Chame route.

The bus, numbered NA 6 Kha 9579, which operates from Besisahar to Pokhara, has reached Chame for the first time, carrying passengers.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter in transportation for the residents of Manang.

Following the successful test run, local residents of Manang are overjoyed.

The operator, Suresh Ghimire, has confirmed plans to start regular bus services from Besisahar to the district headquarters, Chame, starting from the New Year.

Ghimire mentioned that the bus reached Chame on March 20, carrying foreign tourists who were heading to the Annapurna Circuit.

“Initially, there was uncertainty about whether the bus could make it to Manang. However, after observing that even 10-wheeled trucks carrying construction materials for the under-construction Manang-Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Project had no issues reaching the area, we were confident that buses could make the journey as well. There were no issues during the test run,” Ghimire shared.

Experienced driver Binod Rimala smoothly drove the bus to Chame and back.

Although the roads in Manang are narrow and mostly unpaved, Ghimire stated that there will be no problem operating the bus as long as experienced drivers are used. New and less-experienced drivers will not be assigned to the route, he added.

Ghimire also emphasized that with the support of local administration and residents, they are confident about starting regular bus services between Besisahar and Chame. “We have already assessed the road conditions, and based on the test run, we see no obstacles in regular operations. If permission is granted, the buses can be operated,” he said.

The District Administration Office has initiated preparations to launch passenger bus services in the district. During a coordination meeting held on March 9, the office decided to start public bus services from Besisahar to Chame from the first day of the New Year, April 14.

Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya confirmed the decision, stating that the local administration had already discussed with stakeholders like the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Road Project to finalize the necessary directives.

Satish Subedi, the chief engineer of the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame project, confirmed that the administration had requested traffic signals on the road. The contractor has been assigned the task, and these signals are expected to be installed soon.

Although motor vehicles started operating in Manang about 15 years ago, only small vehicles like Boleros and Tata Sumos have been providing transportation services.

Currently, passengers pay a fare of Rs 1,250 per person for a ride on the 64 km road from Besisahar to Chame. The journey, which is often overcrowded with 10-15 passengers in a 5-seat vehicle, can be risky.

The introduction of buses on this route is expected to ease travel for locals and tourists, reducing the financial burden imposed by high fares. The local community is hopeful that regular bus services will make commuting easier and more affordable.

The road from Besisahar to Khudi, a 7-kilometer stretch, has already been paved, while the 10 kilometers from Khudi to Chame have been graded.

The remaining 47 kilometers are still unpaved, but the local administration is working to improve the road conditions, particularly the narrow and winding sections, to prepare for regular bus operations.