Born at Dhalasikwa, Asan, Kathmandu, second of three sons of trader Pushpa Sundar Tuladhar
Karuna Ratna Tuladhar
Deceasedकरुणारत्न तुलाधर
Pioneer of Nepalese public transport who co-founded Nepal Transport Service, the country's first public bus service
About
Karuna Ratna Tuladhar was born into a Kathmandu trading family. His family’s ancestral business house in Lhasa had long traded between Nepal, Tibet, and India. He himself spent a total of 17 years in Tibet, across multiple trips.
In 1959, he and his brother, Lupau Ratna, founded Nepal Transport Service. This launched the country’s first public bus route, connecting Kathmandu to the railhead at Amlekhganj near the Indian border. The company also launched the first local shuttle service between Kathmandu and Patan. This pioneering contribution to Nepal’s public transport was later honoured with a commemorative postage stamp.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1920-10-23
- Birthplace
- Dhalasikwa, Asan, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Profession
- Trader, Transport entrepreneur
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 2008-07-19
Previous roles
Proprietor
Nepal Transport Service · 1959
Career & life timeline
- 1920-10-23
- 1959
Co-founded Nepal Transport Service with his brother Lupau Ratna Tuladhar, launching Nepal's first public bus service
- 2008-07-19
Died at age 87
- 2012-12-31
Honoured posthumously with a commemorative postage stamp alongside his brother
Achievements
Co-founded Nepal Transport Service
1959Nepal's first public bus service, linking Kathmandu with Amlekhganj
Launched the first local shuttle service between Kathmandu and Patan
1959Honoured with a commemorative postage stamp
2012Issued by Nepal's Postal Services Department alongside his brother Lupau Ratna
Organizations & affiliations
- Nepal Transport Service
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-11