(a) whether the Government has recently launched a new bus route between India and Nepal called ‘Ram-Janaki Marg’;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is proposed to operate more such buses between our neighbouring countries;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) During the State visit of Prime Minister of India to Nepal, the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal flagged off the inaugural direct bus service between Janakpur (in Nepal) and Ayodhya (in India) on 11 May 2018, from Janakpur. The frequency and other associated matters for the operation of the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service are being worked out bilaterally by the two Governments.
(c) to (e) Passenger bus services on international routes are operated as per specific agreements signed with neighbouring countries. To further strengthen connectivity and facilitate people to people linkages, India and Nepal signed a bilateral agreement for the regulation of passenger traffic between the two countries on 25 November 2014. A bilateral Joint Working Group on cross-border transport facilitation has been constituted to facilitate effective implementation of the Agreement. Within the enabling framework of bilateral Agreement with Nepal, the operation of direct passenger bus services is considered through consultations between the two Governments.
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