Public transport services in Gandaki comes to a halt

Pokhara: Public transport services in Gandaki Province have come to a standstill as of today. Transport operators in the region have staged a protest against the government's decision to permit ride-sharing services within the province. The transporters had issued an ultimatum demanding the reversal of the decision by Saturday night. However, Yogendra KC, Secretary of Federation of National Association of Transport Professionals in Gandaki, reported that transport operators have parked their vehicles in their homes and garages as their demands were not met.

KC stated that the operators are determined to continue their protest until their demands are addressed. The government had included the legalization of ride-sharing in its policies and programs since last year, but the process stalled due to the lack of appropriate laws and regulations. This year, the legalization of ride-sharing has been prioritized once again, and it was highlighted in both the federal government's policy and budget. The government had prepared to publish the procedure in the gazette following its approval in the cabinet meeting held on Thursday.

In response, public transport entrepreneurs have decided to halt vehicular movement. Despite this, business activities remain unaffected. On the day of the protest, the operators drove their vehicles through the streets of Pokhara and submitted a memorandum to Shankar Pandit, Secretary of Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport Management, and Bharatmani Pandey, Chief District Officer. The Chief Minister of Gandaki is currently in India on personal business.

The government has yet to respond to the transport operators' demands. Minister Rajeev Gurung, also known as Deepak Manange, stated that the demands of the operators could not be met. He questioned why he should address the operators' grievances, emphasizing that "bikers should also be able to earn" and assured that he would bring the procedure from the Cabinet.

The Federation issued another statement on Saturday, criticizing Minister Manange's remarks. Chairman Kedar Paudel condemned the minister's "irresponsible" comments and urged the government to address the transporters' demands. The Federation warned that the minister would be held responsible for any consequences resulting from the ongoing protests if the demands are not met.