The Indian government is eager to begin direct bus services linking different Indian cities with the capital of Nepal, the Nepal Samacharpatra daily reported.
Though two rounds of talks between the officials of the two countries relating to the preparation of the draft agreement on the beginning of bus services have already been held, the talks were inconclusive.
It is learnt that a meeting of Indian officials from the home, foreign and transport ministries held Friday in New Delhi decided to sign an agreement with Nepal on beginning direct bus services. Speaking to the daily, Director General of the Transport Management Department, Chhabiraj Panta said although two rounds of talks relating to the draft agreement have already been held the talks were inconclusive.
“The dates for the third round of talks have not been fixed yet,” Panta said. But the Indian officials have made public their desire to sign a transport agreement with Nepal by the end of February and start a bus service between New Delhi and Kathmandu within three months.
Four buses will be operated in the route along Kathmandu-PaniTanki-Silguri-Calcutta. The number of buses will be added according to the need, the officials said. The bus fares however are yet to be finalized.