Transport Entrepreneurs Allege Discrimination in Fare Adjustment Policies

Kathmandu. Saroj Sitaula, Acting President of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, has criticized the state for discriminating between air and road transport fare adjustments following fuel price hikes. He expressed frustration that while airfares are adjusted immediately upon fuel price increases, the government neglects public transport fare adjustments.

He stated, 'Airfares increase and new schedules are issued within half an hour of a rise in aviation fuel prices, but why is this not the case for road transport? Where does this discrimination stem from?'

He noted that although the Department of Transport Management has already recommended a fare adjustment, the government is delaying its implementation.

'The department has made the recommendation, and fuel prices have soared, yet our fare adjustment file remains stalled,' he added. 'The time has come to speak out firmly against such injustice and discrimination.'

Stating that transport entrepreneurs are suffering significantly due to the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices, he warned that if the government does not adjust fares immediately, entrepreneurs will face further hardship.

Transport entrepreneurs have long demanded the implementation of a scientific fare system and automatic fare adjustments based on fuel prices.

Following the Nepal Oil Corporation's decision to increase diesel prices by 10 rupees and petrol by 15 rupees per liter effective from Chaitra 2, the department has prepared a new fare proposal. Based on the 'Scientific Fare Adjustment Method' with 13 indicators implemented since 2065 BS, it has proposed an increase of 11.33 percent for public passenger vehicles, 14.29 percent for cargo vehicles on hilly roads, and 8.81 percent for cargo vehicles on Terai roads.
Meanwhile, discussions have been held between transport entrepreneurs and high-ranking government officials regarding reforms, governance, and management in the public transport sector. The discussion, held at the Good Governance Division of the Prime Minister's Office, reportedly focused on making the transport sector technology-friendly and ensuring passenger-friendly service delivery.