Prime Minister's directive reroutes Lumbini electric bus to airport, highlighting political power plays

Following Prime Minister Balen Shah's directive, the electric bus operating in Lumbini was abruptly reassigned to the Gautam Buddha International Airport after just two days of service. This decision illustrates central government influence over local initiatives, revealing tensions between the Prime Minister's office and the ministry's operational plans. The shift potentially weakens local governance capacity in Lumbini while emphasizing control from Kathmandu. For everyday Nepalis, this indicates a consolidation of power at the national level, likely impacting how public services are managed outside the capital. Over the long term, such moves could centralize authority but also risk alienating regional stakeholders, influencing the democratic balance ahead of the crucial 2026 election.

• Prime Minister's intervention reroutes Lumbini electric bus, signaling central power consolidation ahead of national elections.