KATHMANDU: The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA) has submitted 28 suggestions to Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising to address challenges in the automobile sector.
A delegation led by NADA President Karan Chaudhary met the minister on Wednesday and discussed the problems facing the industry. NADA said that past policies have hurt automobile businesses and reduced government revenue, warning that upcoming rules will have a direct impact on the sector.
Chaudhary suggested raising the bank financing limit for petrol and diesel vehicles from 60 % to 80 % to boost sales. He stressed that practical policies are needed as overall vehicle sales in Nepal have been declining.
Highlighting the lack of charging infrastructure, Chaudhary noted that India has one charging station for 105 electric vehicles, while Nepal has one for every 24. He urged the Nepal Electricity Authority to take stronger steps in this area.
He also called for simplifying the license distribution system, improving the complex embossed number plate process and holding wider discussions with stakeholders before finalizing the Vehicle Import, Production and Installation Directive, 2082.
Chaudhary asked the government to review high tariffs on vehicles listed as luxury goods, digitize transport records and processes and continue support for transformer connections to set up DC charging stations.
NADA General Secretary Surendra Kumar Upreti said the business has been hit as Dashain approaches because the border with China is not fully open. He also criticized the 72-hour free movement for Indian cargo trucks, demanding it be reduced to 24 hours and restricted within 16 km of customs points.
In response, Minister Ghising said the Nepal Electricity Authority is investing billions to build charging stations and will allow anyone to establish them. He also assured that Nepal will set up a recycling plant for batteries made with rare minerals.
