On Board the Sajha Bus
“Sajha bus ma jo pani chadhda chha, keelindarle dui rupiyako tikat kaatdachha…”
You sang that in your head, didn’t you? That too, in Hari Bansha Acharya’s nasal voice!
For people who are dumbfounded by the above allusion, it is a song about Sajha Bus (literally meaning “common bus”). Sajha Yatayat started its bus service in 1961 in Kathmandu with its popularity soaring for many decades. But come political meddling in its later years, the bus service came to an end. After about a decade of lying dormant, Sajha Yatayat made its way back again.
When the much-hyped Sajha Buses finally rolled out on the roads in early 2013, people got on them just for the experience. The long green buses with automated doors created quite a buzz of excitement with the locals in Kathmandu.
Hop on and take a ride with our brilliant photographer Mohan Duwal.
You sang that in your head, didn’t you? That too, in Hari Bansha Acharya’s nasal voice!
For people who are dumbfounded by the above allusion, it is a song about Sajha Bus (literally meaning “common bus”). Sajha Yatayat started its bus service in 1961 in Kathmandu with its popularity soaring for many decades. But come political meddling in its later years, the bus service came to an end. After about a decade of lying dormant, Sajha Yatayat made its way back again.
When the much-hyped Sajha Buses finally rolled out on the roads in early 2013, people got on them just for the experience. The long green buses with automated doors created quite a buzz of excitement with the locals in Kathmandu.
Hop on and take a ride with our brilliant photographer Mohan Duwal.
|
“The green bus under the blue skies” The buses were designed after its first launch model from 1961 that were green |
| “The new rules” Tickets are to be purchased as soon as you board the bus, unlike the regular system in Nepal where tickets are not required. |
| “Lending a hand” Although very common in other countries, Sajha’s buses are the first ones in Nepal’s history to have these suspended hand straps for support. |
| “Money matters” A conductor counts his money as he hands tickets to passengers. |
| “An entertainer” The buses are equipped with LCD television sets that play Nepali TV Programs to keep passengers entertained. |
| “Lending a hand” Although very common in other countries, Sajha’s buses are the first ones in Nepal’s history to have these suspended hand straps for support. |
| “The Techies Takeover” Wifi is offered free of charge on the bus. Passengers can enjoy speedy internet services as they cruise around the city. |
| “Sukul” The new buses are large and spacious, making it convenient for people with large carry-ons. |
| “Going green on duty” The bus staffers wear green t-shirts. A dress code. |
| “Ruler on the roads” The sheer size of the Sajha bus is enough to dominate Kathmandu roads. A Sajha bus is as large as three cars put together end-to-end but can carry an average of 55 people. |
| “The Triangle travel” Sajha Bus seen in Tinkune. The buses have two different routes, covering almost all major areas of Kathmandu. |
| “Stuck” Kathmandu faces a serious case of traffic overload, which is why the use of private vehicles is discouraged by the Government. We see Sajha bus as a great attempt for a cleaner and greener Kathmandu. We hope it stays around for a long time. |
| Follow Mohan Duwal on Twitter @mkduwal |
| Photos by Mohan Duwal. |
| Text by Aayesha Rai Gurung. |
Tags: Mohan Duwal, Sajha Bus, Sajha Yatayat
Categorised in: Liefstyle
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