India has handed over 81 school buses to Nepal as part of its continued support towards uplifting the education sector in the neighbouring country. The symbolic gesture highlights New Delhi’s commitment to assist Nepal in improving access to education, particularly for students in remote and rural areas where mobility remains a major challenge. The donation also reflects the strong people-to-people connection and cultural bond between the two nations that share deep historical ties.

Expanding India-Nepal Cooperation in Education

The school buses were handed over in Kathmandu at a formal ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries. The Indian Ambassador to Nepal represented the Government of India, while Nepalese officials, school representatives, and students graced the occasion. Each bus, fitted with safety and comfort features for children, will serve multiple schools across various provinces of Nepal.

This initiative comes under India’s longstanding development partnership programme with Nepal, which includes grants and assistance across education, healthcare, infrastructure, and capacity building. India has supported the construction of numerous school buildings, libraries, and laboratories in different parts of Nepal over the years. The donation of buses complements those efforts by addressing logistical gaps faced by many educational institutions.

According to officials, these buses will mostly benefit schools situated in hilly and hard-to-reach regions. Many students, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, often travel long distances on foot to attend classes. Having access to reliable school transport is expected to reduce dropout rates and encourage regular attendance, thereby improving the overall education environment.

Strengthening Ties Through Development Support

The handing over ceremony also served as a reminder of India’s approach to “Neighbourhood First” and “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” — policies that underline cooperation and shared progress in South Asia. For decades, India has been one of Nepal’s main development partners, contributing to infrastructure projects, power transmission lines, cultural centres, and health facilities.

Nepalese education authorities expressed gratitude for the generous support, mentioning that the buses would drastically improve student accessibility. They noted that education is not just about infrastructure but also about ensuring that no child is left behind due to transportation hardship. In several districts, these buses will operate under local community management, ensuring that rural schools benefit equally.

The Indian side reiterated that such assistance is based on mutual trust and friendship. Officials emphasised that India’s cooperation with Nepal aims to empower its youth, enhance connectivity, and build human capital for the future. The donation aligns with India’s broader vision to encourage inclusive development in the region and foster stronger education links between the two nations.

Looking Ahead: Building Futures Together

Over recent years, India’s development partnership with Nepal has grown steadily, encompassing more than 500 high-impact community development projects. The education sector remains one of the central pillars of this collaboration. Projects like the construction of schools, libraries, and hostels, as well as scholarships for Nepalese students to pursue studies in India, have collectively strengthened bilateral ties.

The 81 buses mark another milestone in this journey. They represent not just vehicles for schoolchildren but also the shared aspiration for a better-educated, connected, and prosperous region. The initiative is expected to inspire further cooperation in sectors like digital literacy, teacher training, and vocational education.

Both governments reiterated that education is a shared priority for a prosperous South Asia. The event concluded on a positive note, with students from several schools expressing joy and appreciation. As one of the young beneficiaries put it, the buses will not just take them to school but also bring them a step closer to their dreams.

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