KATHMANDU: A high-level commission formed by the government to investigate and reform the transport sector has formally begun its work.
The commission was established following a Supreme Court mandamus issued on Mangsir 3, directing the government to address disorder in public transportation and rising road accidents. The writ petition related to the issue was filed on Bhadra 5, 2081.
To implement the court order, the commission started its work on Monday after setting up its office. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the commission came into operation after a notice was published in the Nepal Gazette on Sunday, in line with the Cabinet decision of Mangsir 22. The commission has been formed under Clause 3(2) of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1969.
The Supreme Court verdict had specifically addressed whether transport committees should continue to operate under the Institutions Registration Act. It also included provisions related to insurance for passengers, drivers, and conductors, vehicle insurance, and medical treatment.
Additionally, the court ordered the government to enforce existing laws by prohibiting overcrowding in public vehicles beyond seating capacity, ending syndicate practices in the transport sector, and protecting passenger rights.
The verdict also directed authorities to prevent high-speed and loud operation of high-capacity motorcycles and to ban the employment of minors under 18 as conductors.
The commission is chaired by former government secretary Deepak Subedi, with former joint secretary Sharad Adhikari and former President of Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, Yogendranath Karmacharya as members.
The commission has been given a one-month deadline to submit its report to the government.
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