KATHMANDU: Mahabir Pun has called on the government to reopen new taxi registrations in Nepal.
Speaking during a special session of the House of Representatives on May 26, 2026, Pun said the suspension of new taxi registrations has encouraged syndicate practices in the sector.
He said around 7,500 taxis were registered in 2000 AD. After the 2015 earthquake, an additional 1,500 taxis were added. According to him, only around 9,000 taxis are currently operating in Kathmandu.
Pun argued that Kathmandu’s population has increased significantly since 2000 AD, but the number of taxis has remained almost unchanged.
He accused the government of intentionally limiting taxi registrations, which he said has strengthened syndicates in the transport sector.
“The government added 7,500 taxis in 2000 AD and another 1,500 after the 2015 earthquake. There are only around 9,000 taxis now. The lack of new registrations has created syndicates. Taxi numbers should increase according to population growth. It will also create self-employment opportunities,” he said.
Earlier, Pun had also raised concerns in Parliament over the expensive trading of taxi number plates.
