KATHMANDU: Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang has assured transport entrepreneurs that the provincial government is committed to addressing all transport-related issues through regulatory amendments.
Speaking at the 36th annual general meeting and 16th convention of the Narayani Transport Entrepreneurs Association in Hetauda, Lama highlighted the vital role transport entrepreneurs play in providing services that the state should ideally be handling.
He also pledged to introduce technology-friendly vehicle inspection and renewal systems, drawing inspiration from international practices. Additionally, he affirmed the government’s support in amending the Accident and Insurance Act to improve transport sector policies.
Bagmati Province Minister for Labor, Employment, and Transport, Prem Bhakta Maharjan, highlighted the sector’s economic significance, stating that transport contributes 30% of the province’s revenue. He noted that 2.2 million driving licenses have already been integrated into the Nagarik app and announced upcoming initiatives to enable online payments for vehicle taxes, renewals, and ownership transfers.
Association President Hiralal Shrestha expressed concerns over the financial burden of taxes on transport entrepreneurs. He revealed that the association is considering selling its land in Ramnagar, Chitwan, to meet tax obligations.
Originally registered under the Narayani Transport Company Pvt. Ltd. following legislative amendments in 2019, the association has since been actively involved in accident-related issues, insurance liabilities, and transport sector advocacy.
The convention also saw participation from political and business figures, including Constituent Assembly member Ananta Poudel, Provincial Assembly member Indra Bahadur Baniya, Chief District Officer Skim Shrestha, and Makawanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Pramod Singh Ranabhat.
As part of its social initiatives, the Narayani Transport Entrepreneurs Association donated Rs 51,000 to Manav Sewa Ashram. Additionally, five drivers—Arjun Bhurtel and Dhruvlal Shrestha from Hetauda, Suresh Shrestha from Kathmandu, Bhola Thapa from Chitwan, and Rampukar Raya from Rautahat—were honored with a cash award of Rs 10,000 each for their contributions.
A health check-up for transport entrepreneurs was also conducted at the event by a team of specialists from Nepal Mediciti Hospital, Kathmandu.
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