Registration of new public vehicles banned across the country due to increased traffic congestion and pollution

Kathmandu, 08 June. As the number of public vehicles increases rapidly across the country, road management becomes a challenge and the government has tightened the new registration. With the aim of controlling traffic jams, air pollution and disorderly traffic operations, registration of new public vehicles has now been temporarily stopped. The Department of Transportation has issued a circular to the ministries and local levels of all the seven provinces on Thursday, instructing them not to register public vehicles until further notice. The department has made it clear that this decision will also apply to electric public vehicles.

According to the department, the traffic pressure on the roads has increased due to the fact that the public transport system cannot be operated effectively. Due to increase in fuel prices, poor traffic management and uncomfortable road conditions, both passengers and transport businessmen are being affected. According to section 24 sub-section (3) of the 'Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049', there is a provision that vehicle registration can be suspended if it is deemed necessary for the public interest. The new registration process has been stopped on the same legal basis.

The government has mentioned that this decision has been implemented with the goal of making public transport safe, orderly and environment-friendly. Until further decision, the new public vehicle registration process will be closed across the country.