Kathmandu – Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has said that transport operators were wrong to halt public transportation services.

He stated that despite an agreement reached between the government and transport operators on Monday night, the operators made a mistake by not resuming transport services.

Criticizing the justification that services would resume only after a formal letter was sent from the Prime Minister’s Office to Gandaki Province, Minister Dahal claimed that the government had not entered into any agreement that would infringe upon the province’s rights.

Minister Dahal explained that once the federal government formulates a law, it becomes easier for provinces to draft their own laws accordingly. He added that a bill concerning the regulation of vehicles and public transport is in its final stages and preparations are being made to address the relevant issues.

He said that provinces were requested to temporarily suspend their own laws in this area to avoid legal confusion until the federal law is finalized.

Speaking about ride-sharing services, Minister Dahal said that efforts are underway to regulate them so that they provide convenience to the public while also remaining within the framework of national laws and regulations.

Since public transportation in Nepal is operated solely by the private sector, Minister Dahal emphasized that transport operators must act responsibly. He stated that disrupting transportation and causing trouble for the public is unacceptable.