Varanasi. The India-Nepal Friendship Bus Service, initiated to simplify travel between sacred sites in India and Nepal and to strengthen the symbolic relationship between the two countries, is set to resume after a long hiatus.
This bus service, which operates from Varanasi to Pashupatinath in Nepal, was previously suspended for approximately 14 months. The suspension was due to the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation's inability to renew the permit for the contracted bus, leading to the service being halted on both sides.
Now, after 14 months, the service is being reinstated by Nepal, with the first bus scheduled to run from December 26th. A new agency has been designated to operate the bus service and will also arrange for online ticket booking. Furthermore, bus operations on the Nepal side will be managed by the Shree Manju Shree Bus Service Committee.
The resumption of the bus service will provide significant convenience for general passengers, especially pilgrims, traveling between India and Nepal, and will also promote social, religious, and cultural connections between the people of both countries.
