KATHMANDU: A nationwide strike by transport entrepreneurs has brought public transport services to a standstill across Nepal, causing significant disruption to daily life.
The protest, led by the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, comes in response to the Gandaki Provincial Government’s decision to legalize ride-sharing services, an action the Federation claims violates provisions in the Constitution and the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1992.
While private vehicles continue to operate, most public buses, microbuses and tempos are off the roads, forcing commuters to walk long distances.
The strike, which initially began in Gandaki Province, where public transport has been halted for the past four days, has now expanded nationwide.
According to Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the Federation, repeated efforts to engage with both provincial and federal authorities were ignored, leaving them no option but to halt services.
Several major transport unions, including the Central Federation of Public Transport and Nepal Transport Workers’ Association, have expressed solidarity with the protest. The ongoing shutdown has raised concerns over its impact on mobility, business operations and the broader economy, prompting calls for urgent dialogue and resolution.
