Kathmandu Launches Bike Ambulances to Reach Patients Trapped by Traffic and Narrow Streets

Kathmandu, October 16, 2026

Bike Ambulances Introduced in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) launched a bike ambulance service on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Kathmandu to help emergency responders reach patients in areas where narrow streets and heavy traffic make it difficult for regular ambulances to arrive on time. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol announced the launch during a discussion with representatives of 13 hospitals and healthcare institutions supported by the metropolitan city.

Why Kathmandu Needs Bike Ambulances

Traffic congestion and narrow roads have become major challenges for emergency ambulance services in Kathmandu. Dangol explained that the problem is not necessarily a shortage of ambulances but the difficulty of reaching patients quickly.

The new service is intended to improve emergency response in densely populated neighborhoods, narrow alleys and locations where four-wheeled ambulances struggle to operate.

Free Ambulance Service Available Through 102

Kathmandu Metropolitan City already provides free emergency ambulance services through 102, in partnership with Nepal Ambulance Service.

According to Dangol, the service has expanded beyond Kathmandu Metropolitan City to other local governments in the Kathmandu Valley. She also said the 102 service helped provide emergency assistance during flooding.

Support for 13 Healthcare Institutions

The metropolitan city is working with 13 hospitals and healthcare institutions to improve access to medical treatment.

During the discussion, representatives presented information about the use of municipal grants, the number of patients receiving services and the impact of the financial support.

The city has been providing assistance for hospital infrastructure, medical equipment and direct healthcare services based on institutional needs.

Financial Support for Burn Patients

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has also established a fund to help cover treatment costs for burn patients in Kirtipur who face financial difficulties.

Dangol said the city has prioritized direct treatment assistance in Kirtipur rather than providing support only for infrastructure or medical equipment.

The initiative aims to help patients receive necessary treatment even when they cannot afford the expenses.

Improvements at Major Hospitals

The metropolitan city is supporting healthcare infrastructure improvements at several institutions.

According to Dangol, work is underway at Kanti Children's Hospital, while infrastructure development is also being supported in the Dallu area.

She added that the intensive care unit upgrade at Manmohan Hospital is in its final stage.

What Residents Should Know

The bike ambulance service is expected to improve access to emergency assistance, particularly in locations affected by heavy traffic and limited road access.

However, the number of motorcycles, their specific operating locations, service hours and response-time targets have not been confirmed in the available launch reports.

Residents can continue using the city's officially listed free emergency ambulance number, 102, for medical emergencies.

The effectiveness of the new bike ambulance service will become clearer as operational details and service results become available.