Talks begin between government and transport entrepreneurs

KATHMANDU: The government and transport entrepreneurs have begun formal negotiations to resolve the ongoing nationwide transport strike.

According to Home Ministry spokesperson Rabindra Acharya, the talks are being led by Krishna Raj Pant, joint secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The government formed the negotiation team earlier today following a meeting chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

The strike, which was called in protest of a new ride-sharing regulation introduced by the Gandaki Province government, brought public transport services to a halt across the country, severely affecting daily life. In the Kathmandu Valley, only a limited number of Sajha buses operated, forcing commuters to wait for long hours at bus stops due to the shortage of vehicles.

In response, transport entrepreneurs have formed their own nine-member negotiation team. Saroj Sitaula, senior vice president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs and a member of the negotiation team, confirmed that discussions with the government are now underway.