KATHMANDU: The government led by Balen Shah has accelerated reforms in the transport sector within two weeks of formation. The first Cabinet meeting on March 27 approved a 100-point governance reform plan, with transport given high priority.
The government aims to deliver faster, predictable, and middleman-free services. It is also working to shift all processes to a faceless and digital system.
Here are eight key actions currently underway:
- Crackdown on middlemen
Authorities have launched operations to remove middlemen from transport offices. Police have already started arrests. Service delivery has improved, although some company staff were briefly affected.
- License application via Nagarik App
The government plans to allow license applications through the Nagarik App within 45 days. Work is moving quickly under the Ministry of Communication and IT.
- Printing of 2.9 million licenses
Around 2.9 million pending licenses will be printed by the end of the fiscal year. About 1.2 million are already under contract and expected soon. The remaining 1.7 million are in the process of agreement.
- 24-hour license issuance plan
The government is preparing a system to issue licenses within 24 hours. This will apply to both new applicants and renewals. The service may begin within a few months.
- Home delivery of licenses
Within 100 days, licenses will be delivered to homes via postal service. Preparations are ongoing.
- EV conversion law
A new law is being prepared to allow the conversion of petrol vehicles into electric vehicles. The Cabinet has already approved the plan.
- Mandatory SOS in ride-sharing
Ride-sharing companies will be required to include an SOS button. This will improve user safety.
- GPS and CCTV in public transport
Public vehicles will be required to install GPS and CCTV systems. The government plans strict enforcement this time.
