COVID-19: Nepal-India Friendship Bus Service closed

Nepal-India friendship bus service being operated from Dhangadhi to New Delhi, India, has been closed down as part of the preparedness to global pandemic, coronavirus. Three buses were operated daily via Gauriphanta check points between Dhangadhi, a far-western city of Nepal, to the Indian capital city New Delhi.

Similarly, two buses traveling via Gauriphanta from Dang to New Delhi have also been halted.

Information to this was shared by Sub-Inspector of Police Mahadev Bhatta at Trinagar Police Office. The bus service was closed since Monday.

Meanwhile, Sudur Paschim Transport Pvt’s Chairman Padam Devkota said the transport sector had witnessed adverse impact of coronavirus fear. Number of passengers for both long and routes has declined sharply.

He further said although 17 buses were operated from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu on a daily basis, it declined to 10 now for lack of passengers.

Similarly, bus service from Biratnagar to Birgunj, Janakpur, Butwal, Pokhara and other cities are going to be cut down, he added.

Efforts to set up quarantine

Meanwhile, District Administration Office, Dhangadhi, has been preparing to set up quarantine at Trinagar Customs Office Kailali. Information Officer Shivaraj Joshee said even a building near area police office Dhangadhi could be used as quarantine in crisis.

Anyone suspected of COVID-19 at border would be kept in the quarantine. Even an ambulance is standby at Tikapur Hospital.

Moreover, Seti State Hospital is going to set up isolation ward. Health desks have already been established at check points as Trinagar and Khakraula.