Mechi Highway blocked for three days, transport operators demand immediate resolution

Kathmandu, January 30 — Traffic has been halted on the Mechi Highway for the past three days.

This disruption is due to a transportation strike organized in protest of the Pathibhara cable car project, which has caused the highway to be blocked.

With the traffic blockage, transportation entrepreneurs have expressed their opposition.

On Wednesday, the Federation of Nepalese National Transport  Entrepreneurs of Ilam issued a press release, stating that the indefinite transport strike has severely impacted public life.

They also highlighted that vehicles, which were imported with high customs duties (up to 260%), and were purchased through loans at exorbitant interest rates, are now stranded. As a result, transport operators are unable to pay their interest and loan installments.

Furthermore, the Federation pointed out that transportation workers and their families are facing difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods, and they have urged for an immediate resolution through dialogue and negotiations to reopen the transport services.