Taskforce formed to make transport sector reforms in view of festivals

KATHMANDU: An all-party task force has been formed for transport sector reforms in view of the festive season.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala took the initiative to form the task force.

The task force was formed under the leadership of the Director-General of the Department of Transport Management, Uddhav Rijal after the discussion among all stakeholders of the transport sector.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State Nanda Chapain, Bagmati Province Minister for Labour, Employment and Transport Laxman Lamsal, representatives of Nepal Police Headquarters, Valley Traffic Division, Department of Roads, Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, Consumers Protection Forum, trade union representatives and representatives of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

It may be noted that annually one million passengers are bound to go outside from Kathmandu in Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.

Minister Jwala also issued a directive to the Department of Roads to improve road conditions before the travel booking for Dashain is opened.

Making commitment to provide necessary support to take outgoing passengers to secured destinations, he said, “Roads are not in good condition due to rain, let the crumbled roads be improved soon”.

The Minister said vigilance would be maintained in coordination with other agencies and ministries of the state.

Director-General of the Department, Sushil Babu Dhakal expressed commitment to mobilize teams for improving road conditions.

Likewise, representatives of the traffic division said they would not leave any stones unturned for road management.

Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, Saroj Chaulagain pledged that they would not deprive anyone of receiving Dahsain tika in lack of vehicles.

Representative of the Consumers Protection Forum urged Minster Jwala to monitor the food quality and pricing at hotels along the roads.