Kathmandu Traffic Police Crack Down on Ride-Sharing Services, Issuing Fines to 175 Drivers

Kathmandu. As part of a special 'checking' campaign aimed at controlling the increasing traffic congestion, disorganized vehicle operation, and rule violations in the Kathmandu Valley, 175 drivers involved in 'ride-sharing' services have been penalized.

The Metropolitan Traffic Police Office stated that action was taken against these drivers after it was found they were operating vehicles against prevailing laws during inspections conducted in various busy areas of the valley.

Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Traffic Police Office and Superintendent of Police (SP) Nareshraj Subedi stated that the special checking campaign was launched targeting the control of the situation, as the use of ride-sharing services has been rapidly increasing in the valley recently, accompanied by a rise in unauthorized service operation, passenger transport without meeting standards, and disregard for traffic rules.

He said, "We have launched a special checking campaign in various locations across the valley. In this campaign, 175 ride-sharing drivers have been penalized." According to him, most of the penalized drivers were operating services offline without permission from the 'online platform'.

Furthermore, SP Subedi informed that activities such as haphazardly picking up and dropping off passengers (pick and drop), poor technical condition of the vehicles, lack of necessary documents, and violation of traffic rules were also found.

According to the traffic police, the Chief of the Metropolitan Traffic Police Office and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navaraj Adhikari informed that it is mandatory for ride-sharing services to obtain permission from the relevant body, conduct regular maintenance of the vehicles, drivers must carry necessary documents, and adhere to prescribed rules.

Traffic Police Chief Adhikari stated that strict action is being taken because haphazard stopping to transport passengers, especially at busy intersections, hospital areas, school vicinities, and main roads, causes traffic obstruction and increases the risk of accidents.

Chief Adhikari clarified that such monitoring campaigns will be made more effective in the coming days, and anyone violating the rules will be penalized. He also urged the general public to use only services that are operating safely and legally.

The Traffic Police announced that they aim to continue this campaign to make vehicle management more systematic, safe, and technology-friendly. Furthermore, ride-sharing companies have been urged to strictly monitor their drivers and ensure compliance with regulations. This campaign is expected to contribute significantly to maintaining traffic discipline and strengthening passenger safety in the valley.