KATHMANDU: The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has requested the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) to extend the vehicle registration deadline for businesses affected by recent floods and landslides.
Under the existing provision, vehicles must be registered at the concerned transport office within 15 days of customs clearance. However, floods and landslides in the Jomsom and Beni areas have disrupted the movement of vehicles cleared through the Korala customs point, making it difficult for importers to reach the transport offices within the deadline.
NAIMA has asked the department to provide additional time for registration in view of the unusual circumstances. It has also requested the DoTM to identify other businesses and NAIMA members facing similar difficulties and facilitate the process without imposing additional administrative or financial burdens.
The request comes as vehicle importers continue to face major supply-chain disruptions following recent floods. The Korala route has been affected by floods and landslides since late September, while the Rasuwagadhi border has remained disrupted since the Bhotekoshi flood on August 26.
The earlier Bhotekoshi flood also caused major losses to the automobile sector. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, insurance claims had been filed for 1,066 vehicles, with total claims exceeding Rs 3.07 billion as of September 28. More than 500 electric cars brought in by businesses for sale were among the vehicles reportedly swept away or damaged.
The continuing disruption has created additional challenges for importers preparing vehicles for Dashain deliveries, with several businesses unable to move newly imported vehicles from border points to the Kathmandu market.
