Transport Federation Demands Probe into Ramechhap Bus Crash, Cites Lax Safety Enforcement

Kathmandu. The National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs of Nepal has demanded that the Government of Nepal immediately investigate the recent bus accident in Ramechhap to ascertain the facts, take action against those responsible, and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The Federation issued this demand in a press release on Wednesday.

The Arniko bus, bearing registration number Ba.Pra.001-05 Kha 9975, traveling from Kathmandu to Okhaldhunga, plunged into the Tamakoshi River near Benighat Bridge in Manthali Municipality-6, Ramechhap, at 10:40 AM on Tuesday. Twelve people died at the scene of the accident. Those injured in the crash are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.

Through the press release, the Federation expressed condolences to the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while also urging operators not to carry passengers exceeding the seating capacity.

The Federation has directed all its member associations/committees/companies/Pvt. Ltds operating across Nepal not to carry passengers beyond seating capacity, to mandatorily record the name and contact number of passengers for identification when issuing tickets, and to update daily records.

The Federation specifically urged that during the operation of transport services in the Himalayan, Terai, and rural hilly regions for the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21, 2082 BS, passengers must be carried only within the seating capacity.

The necessity for relevant bodies of the Government of Nepal to directly regulate road conditions and passenger load to minimize road accidents was highlighted. A demand was also made to arrange for passenger life safety by providing immediate helicopter rescue in case of accidents.

The statement expressed concern that the risk of road accidents is increasing daily because investigation reports from previous government-formed committees, such as the Simtal Bus Accident Study Report and other accident investigation reports, have not been implemented. The Federation also requested the immediate implementation of accident study reports formed by the government.