In a significant step toward urban sustainability, Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) officially flagged off its new fleet of electric vans today. The initiative, launched under the city’s ambitious “Green Drive” banner, marks a major milestone in Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan’s plan to transform Lalitpur into a carbon-neutral municipality.
The new fleet consists of 15 high-efficiency electric passenger vans that will initially serve as specialized shuttles for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, as well as official transport for municipal departments.
The “Green Drive” Vision
The introduction of these vehicles is part of a broader environmental strategy aimed at reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels and improving the worsening air quality in the Kathmandu Valley.
“Our goal is to lead by example,” Mayor Maharjan stated during the inauguration ceremony at the LMC premises. “By replacing aging, emission-heavy internal combustion vehicles with clean, electric alternatives, we are not just saving on fuel costs—we are investing in the health of our citizens and the future of our heritage city.”
Key Features of the Initiative
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Zero Emissions: The vans are expected to prevent several metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, contributing to the city’s climate action targets.
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Specialized Infrastructure: To support the fleet, LMC has installed dedicated fast-charging stations at the Pulchowk headquarters and several strategic locations across the metropolitan area.
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Community Accessibility: A segment of the fleet will be used to provide free, eco-friendly transport services for elderly residents visiting government offices and health centers.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The transition is expected to significantly lower the city’s operational expenses. Early estimates suggest that the maintenance and energy costs of the electric fleet will be approximately 60% lower than their petrol or diesel counterparts.
This move follows LMC’s successful implementation of other “green” projects, including the installation of smart solar streetlights and the expansion of bicycle lanes throughout the city.
Future Outlook
The Metropolitan City plans to expand the fleet to 50 vehicles by the end of 2027. Discussions are also underway with private transport cooperatives to provide subsidies for those willing to transition public microbus routes to electric power.
As the Kathmandu Valley continues to grapple with high AQI levels, Lalitpur’s “Green Drive” provides a scalable blueprint for other municipalities in Nepal to follow.