Digital Divide Shrinks: Myagdi’s Malkawang Gets First Passenger Bus Service
Malkawang Bus Service Bridges
30th November 2025, Kathmandu
The arrival of the first passenger bus in Malkawang, a remote village in Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-5, Myagdi, marks a significant milestone that extends far beyond physical transport.
Malkawang Bus Service Bridges
This new Malkawang bus service does more than just move people; it actively contributes to shrinking the digital divide. For five long years, residents watched as a road was carved into the challenging terrain. Now, the completed project finally sees its reward.
This development is crucial for digital inclusion and economic growth in the region. Improved physical infrastructure is the foundation upon which enhanced Nepal infrastructure for telecommunications and technology can be built.
The Connectivity Challenge Solved
Until very recently, Malkawang’s sole links to the outside world were limited to cumbersome and expensive jeeps, tractors, and motorcycles. These vehicles often struggled with the difficult 45-kilometer route.
The Myagdi Yatayat Pvt. Ltd. has taken the lead. They have introduced a crucial daily bus service that runs between Beni and Malkawang. This single route immediately transforms daily life for the villagers.
Over 300 households across several localities will directly benefit from this upgraded transport. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for reliable public transport in the Myagdi area.
Significant Reduction in Travel Costs
Affordability is a major factor in true connectivity, both physical and digital. The previous travel cost by jeep was a staggering Rs 1,000 per person for the journey. This price was a huge barrier for many low-income families.
The new bus service has dramatically reduced this financial burden. A single bus ticket now costs only Rs 750. This cost reduction of 25% frees up much-needed household income.
This money can now be allocated to other essential services. Many residents will likely use the savings to purchase mobile data, smartphones, or pay for internet access, directly fueling digital literacy initiatives.
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Why Physical Roads Matter for ICT
In remote areas, laying fiber optic cables or deploying base transceiver stations (BTS) for mobile networks is extremely challenging. The primary reason is the lack of proper, all-weather roads. Heavy equipment, necessary network infrastructure, and maintenance teams require reliable access.
The Malkawang road upgrade, which has been specifically improved to handle regular bus operations, changes this scenario completely.
Easier Deployment: Telecom companies can now transport heavy machinery and network components much more easily. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Technical teams can quickly reach remote towers, ensuring consistent network uptime.
Wider Coverage: The overall efficiency of building and maintaining towers accelerates the expansion of 4G and future 5G network coverage.This physical connectivity is a mandatory prerequisite for better digital connectivity.
Seasonal Accessibility and Future Outlook
The road has been upgraded to support bus operation for a significant eight months of the year. The service will pause only during the most severe parts of the rainy season, when the roads become practically impassable. This eight-month window offers a long period of consistent, affordable access.
The local government should use this momentum to push for further development. The next critical step is to make this road an all-weather, year-round route.
The arrival of the bus in Malkawang is more than a local convenience. It is a powerful symbol. It shows that dedicated infrastructure development can successfully bridge the digital and physical divide in Nepal’s challenging terrain.
This milestone demonstrates how traditional infrastructure projects become the foundation for a digitally empowered future. The journey to complete digital inclusion has become shorter and cheaper for the people of Malkawang.
For more: Malkawang Bus Service Bridges
