KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has issued vehicle washing standards to help reduce environmental pollution and to regulate the establishment and operation of vehicle washing centers.

According to the criteria, vehicles entering the Kathmandu Valley from the date specified by the Department of Transportation Management will have to undergo mandatory partial washing from the designated center at the entry points.

However, ambulances, hearses, fire engines and tankers carrying petroleum products have not been made mandatory to undergo washing.

The standard also covers vehicle maintenance and workshops with washing facilities.

Section 23 of the Vehicle and Transportation Management Act, 2049 BS, Sub-section 1, Clause (c) provides for the establishment of a vehicle washing center, but it has not been specified yet.

As per the provisions of the Act, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has issued washing standards for the first time.