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KATHMANDU, Jan 25: A direct bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa is set to resume, nearly two decades after it was shut down.

The Kathmandu–Lhasa bus had briefly operated around 20 years ago under Sajha Yatayat but was discontinued within two months. Poor road conditions on the Kathmandu–Tatopani stretch and complicated visa procedures were the main reasons for its closure. Niraula said efforts are now underway to ease the visa process to ensure smoother operation.

The distance between Kathmandu and Lhasa is around 1,000 kilometres. The journey is expected to take 20 to 22 hours via Tatopani. Travel from Kathmandu to Tatopani takes about four hours, while the Tatopani–Lhasa section can take up to 20 hours. Niraula noted that roads beyond Tatopani are in good condition, but the Kathmandu–Tatopani section remains a concern, especially for large buses.

The decision was taken during the Nepal–China Joint Meeting of Commerce Secretaries held in Lhasa on January 20 and 21, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies said. Nepali Consul General in Lhasa Laxmi Prasad Niraula said the launch date will be fixed through diplomatic channels.

Officials expect the revived bus service to boost Nepal–China trade and people to people exchange.

The Nepali delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, while the Chinese side was headed by Chatro Peh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of Xizang. The meeting reviewed progress on decisions from the previous round held in Kathmandu in November 2024 and discussed trade, investment, transit, technical cooperation, and infrastructure.

According to ministry spokesperson Netra Subedi, talks covered updating the 1981 Trade and Payment Agreement, easing border entry passes for traders and transport workers, speeding up the Tokha–Chhahare tunnel, fixing fertiliser quotas, and continuing China’s zero-tariff policy for Nepal after LDC graduation.

Both sides agreed to strengthen border transport agreements, reduce trade costs, expand green channel use, improve customs testing, share trade data, ease vehicle movement, and support Nepal’s jute exports. They also agreed on road and bridge construction at key border points, progress on ICDs in Rasuwa and Korala, and advancing the Nepal–China high technology agriculture park project.

The meeting was termed positive, with the next round scheduled in Nepal in 2027. People’s News Monitoring Service