KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to reopen registration of passenger public vehicles after keeping it suspended for nearly four months.
The Department of Transport Management (DoTM), which has already resumed registration of public cargo vehicles, is now discussing the reopening of registration for passenger vehicles with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
DoTM Director Loknath Bhusal said a decision could be made within a few days. “We have already reopened registration for cargo vehicles. Discussions are underway with the ministry to reopen registration for passenger vehicles as well,” he said.
However, the department is not planning to reopen registration for all types of public vehicles as before. Officials are considering setting specific conditions, including allowing registration only for long-distance buses, electric vehicles, vehicles operating outside Kathmandu Valley, or vehicles other than taxis.
“Registration will not reopen for all public vehicles as it did before. Certain conditions will be imposed. We are discussing options such as long-distance vehicles only, electric vehicles only, vehicles outside Kathmandu Valley, or excluding taxis,” Bhusal said.
Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal had said last Friday that the government was planning to allow registration of only electric public vehicles in the future. Based on this plan, ministry sources said the government could initially allow registration of electric passenger vehicles with more than 14 seats.
Public transport operators have been demanding the resumption of registration after the government suspended it on May 21 to promote scientific management of public transport and protect public interest.
Transport operators have also warned that the prolonged suspension could lead to a shortage of buses during the upcoming Dashain festival.
