TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
KATHMANDU ENGINEERING COLLEGE
KALIMATI, KATHMANDU

THESIS PROPOSAL ON

REBUILDING CONNECTION: REVITALIZING

POKHARA BAGLUNG BUSPARK
A GATEWAY TO HIMALAYAS

SUBMITTED BY:

CELINA SHRESTHA

077-BAR-010

THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO:

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, KEC

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

MAY 30, 2025

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2. JUSTIFICATION AND IMPORTANCE ............................................................................................. 4
2.1 Present context of bus terminals in Nepal ........................................................................................... 4
3. OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT ............................................................................................................... 7
4. SITE ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
5. EXPECTED OUTPUT ......................................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Project planning, design and drawing ................................................................................................. 9
6. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................... 9
7. LITERATURE STUDY .......................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Literature Review.............................................................................................................................. 11
7.2 Case studies....................................................................................................................................... 11
NATIONAL CASE STUDY .............................................................................................................. 11
REGIONAL CASE STUDY ............................................................................................................... 11
INTERNATIONAL CASESTUDY .................................................................................................... 11
8. REQUIREMENTS OF PROJECT .......................................................................................................... 11
9. SPECIAL RESOURCE PERSON .......................................................................................................... 12
10. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 13
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
Bus terminal is the designated point where vehicles stop and are predominantly used for
both intercity and intracity travel. It is also the place where passengers board and disembark
from buses and often functions as a control point for managing bus and other vehicle
operations.

Primarily bus terminals facilitate the arrival and departure of long-distance processes and
in addition to this, passengers arrive at the terminal with the luggage, purchase tickets and
wait for the scheduled departures in the bus terminal. Likewise, individuals from other
cities or even countries arrive through these terminals. Therefore, careful planning of bus
terminals is essential to efficiently manage these activities due to their high accessibility.

1.2 Background
Transportation plays a very important role in regional development, economic growth
exchange and tourism of a country. In the context of Nepal, Gandaki province stands out
because of its unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage along with the iconic tourist
destinations like Annapurna circuit, Mustang, Manang and tranquil lakes located in
Pokhara attracting thousands of tourists every year. This province acts as a magnet for
adventure seekers, trekkers and nature enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Despite
its geographical context the region's transportation structure has always struggled to keep
pace with growing demand and tourism resulting in congestion inefficiency, less ideal
experiences for both local and international tourists.

Pokhara Baglung bus park in this region serves as a key connection to districts such as
Myagdi, Parbat, Mustang, Manang and various local destinations within Kaski district
which however lacks the basic facilities and passenger flow management which is needed
to accommodate the increasing number of travelers. This project seeks to address these
challenges by creating a bus terminal that not only facilitates efficient travel but also
enhances the cultural and economic significance of the region.
There have always been many practices for the development of transportation systems and
just modifying highways and increasing its width is not enough to control the vehicular
movement. Proper planning of stations and terminals are equally important. hence bus
terminals play vital role in controlling traffic congestion and maintaining better vehicular
and passenger flow.

This proposal aims to transform the existing bus park into a landmark transportation hub,
which reflects the identity of Himalayan region while promoting tourism along with
regional connectivity and also by including the modern amenities, smart technology and
various redesigned elements. This project will serve as a gateway to Himalaya enhanced in
Himalaya, enhancing the travel experience for thousands of visitors each year.

2. JUSTIFICATION AND IMPORTANCE

2.1 Present context of bus terminals in Nepal

In our country, Nepal bus terminals

are really not developed well, while
many other sectors are improving day
by day, the bus terminals are still very
far behind. Only a few are somewhat
managed, but most still have many
problems. In most places, bus
terminals are just open spaces where
buses are parked randomly causing many problems for the passengers. They do not have
basic infrastructures, facilities that proper terminals should basically have.
2.2 In context of site

The Pokhara Baglung bus park already serves as gateway to western Nepal particularly for
routes heading to Mustang, Manang, Baglung, Parbat, Myagdi and even to local destination
s that serves as trail heads for various treks. The site functions as transportation node but
due to lack of basic infrastructures, no designated bus bays, no passenger facilities but just
an open unorganized space where buses are parked haphazardly. As a result, the terminal
is not operating properly and over flow of buses has spilled into surrounding road sides
leading g to traffic congestion, operational inefficiency and confusion among both
domestic and international tourists which creates chaotic and unwelcoming environment
for travelers especially tourists unfamiliar with the area.

Moreover, Pokhara is not just a city but is a starting point for country’s most iconic trekking
and adventure routes. As a gate way it connects travelers to both highlands and cultural
villages making it a essential hub for adventure, heritage and Eco- tourism.
Source: [1],[2],[3]

The trend of trekking, travelling to such destinations has increased to great extent resulting
in inadequate facilities for tourists.

The need for a bus terminal in Gandaki province is very essential for regional and tourism
development. Currently the lack of such infrastructure possesses several challenges:

• Traffic congestion and safety issues: The existing Pokhara baglung bus park lacks
efficient traffic management which results in traffic congestion, safety risks for
passengers and increased travel time.

• Inadequate passenger amenities: passengers face discomfort due to lack of proper

seating, wayfinding and insufficient sanitation facilities affecting overall travel
experience.

• `Regional Connectivity - It will serve as a vital transportation hub connecting districts

like Myagdi, Parbat, Baglung, Mustang and Manang.

• Tourism impact: The region attracts thousands of trekkers and tourists but due to lack
of dedicated terminals limits the ability to provide the tourists with proper first
impression of the area. - As a gateway to the Himalayas, the terminal will reflect the
cultural heritage of the region, an entry point for trekkers and tourists.
• Operational challenges: absence of terminal leads to poor bus scheduling, operational
problems, overcrowding which results in causing delays and reducing passenger
satisfaction.

In summary, re-designing the Pokhara Baglung bus park is essential to meet the growing
demands and its location, connectivity and potential makes it an idea site for re
development.

3. OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT

The core objective of re-developing Bus-terminal in Pokhara baglung bus park is to

promote tourism, improve connectivity and better travel experience. The key objectives
are:

• Regional connectivity - To act as central hub for inter district buses in Gandaki
province.

• Tourism support – To be a gateway to popular trekking destinations and direct link to

Himalayan region and better wayfinding for tourists.

• Passenger convenience – creation of well-organized waiting spaces and facilities with

in the terminal for ideal passenger experiences.

• Efficient traffic management – to facilitate organized bus movements reducing

congestion and enhancing safety.

• Economic impact – to boost local economy by enhancing better connectivity.

4. SITE

The Pokhara Baglung bus park is located along Pokhara – Baglung highway which is
strategically positioned, and serves as a major gateway connecting Pokhara to remote and
culturally significant districts like Beni, Baglung, Mustang , Manang and Parbat . currently
it is an open plot without any permanent built structures and randomly parked buses.

It holds immense potential as it lies to close urban zones and is well positioned to serve the
growing flow of tourists. It is in close proximity to lakeside which is major tourist hub of
Pokhara and also close to Mahendrapool a major commercial space of Pokhara.

Pokhara baglung bus park has approx. flow of 100-115 buses and mini buses that goes to
baglung, kushma, Beni, Naya pool and mustang. It does not has designated ticketing
counter as tickets are run through old Prithvi bus park located in prithivichowk causing
confusion among the visitors.
[ source: This is primary data and was collected during site visit to Pokhara baglung bus
park in Chaitra]

5. EXPECTED OUTPUT

5.1 Theoretical understanding and research findings

This thesis will provide insights into the role of transportation infrastructure in
development. Also, the theoretical knowledge and information relating to the design of the
BUS TERMINAL will be gathered from various sources such as the internet, books,
articles and case studies.

5.2 Project planning, design and drawing

This will include different things such as:

1. Masterplan

2. site plan

3. conceptual drawings

4. floor plans

5. elevations, and sections of the building

6. perspectives and detailed design interiors

6. METHODOLOGY

The development of the bus terminal project will rely on architectural knowledge gained
over five years of academic study, along with the systematic application of research
methods to ensure the functional and contextually appropriate design. The following
methodology has been adopted for the proposed thesis work.
A. LITERATURE STUDY

1. Study of planning requirements in a bus terminal

2. Functional zoning for administration and service area.

3. Design criteria for public areas and amenities serving the diverse activities and public.

B. CASE STUDY

1. Field visits to existing terminals In Nepal and deep analysis of international bus terminals.

2. Analysis of spatial organization and user circulation patterns

C. ANALYSIS

1. Comparative analysis between the literature review findings and case study observation

2. Program formulation based on available Data.

D. SITE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS

1. Evaluation of existing POKHARA BAGLUNG BUSPARK

2. Finding a suitable site that accommodates all the needs for the terminal.

3. Analysis of proper accessibility opportunities surrounding and physical constraints as well.

E. CONCEPT, PLANNING AND DESIGN

1. Generation of unique design concept influenced by the case study insights

2. Functional zoning and master plan

F. DESIGN FINALIZATION

1. Proper refinement of design true feedback and technical validation

 2. Integration of smart and user-friendly features.

G. 3DS AND MODELS

7. LITERATURE STUDY

7.1 Literature Review

Through Literature review, document and drawing analysis and consultation with various
personals related to concerned field secondary data collection. Research under various
topics related to bus terminals will be done through books and websites.

7.2 Case studies

National case study

• Gongabu bus park, Kathmandu

• Old Prithvi bus park, Pokhara

Regional case study

• Vadodara central bus terminal, Gujrat

• Kashmiri Gate ISBT, India

International case study

• Bus station in Osijek, Croatia

• Busan bus terminal, south Korea

8. REQUIREMENTS OF PROJECT

1. Arrival and departure platforms

2. Parking space
3. Maintenance area
 4. Fuel station and ev- charging station
5. Waiting areas
6. Ticketing counters
7. Commercial spaces and retail outlets
8. Luggage handling areas
9. Wayfinding systems
10. Administrative offices
11. Restrooms
12. Passenger’s amenities
13. Cafeterias and food court
14. Staff facilities
15. Emergency and medical services

9. SPECIAL RESOURCE PERSON

For this project I aim to interview Mr. Ram bahadur Thapa the chief of transport
management office in Pokhara. As he can provide insights into transportation planning and
regulations in the region.
10. REFERENCES

Data sources

1. My República. (2025). 31,000 tourists visit Annapurna Circuit last year.

[Link]

2. The Himalayan Times. (2024). Over 4,000 foreign tourists visit Upper Mustang.
[Link]

3. Khabarhub. (2025). 10,000 tourists enter Manang as trekking season peaks.

[Link]

4. SGArchitects . (2017). Bus terminal design guidelines - [Link]

content/uploads/2017/06/[Link]