KATHMANDU: Drivers and transport operators of public passenger vehicles will face strict action if they stop at highway hotels and restaurants found serving unhygienic food or charging excessive prices.
The Department of Transport Management issued a public notice announcing the move following widespread complaints that highway eateries were serving stale, low-quality food contaminated by flies and charging exorbitant prices to travellers.
The decision was made following a meeting of concerned agencies at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, according to the department.
The department has directed drivers of public passenger vehicles to stop only at hotels and restaurants that provide clean, hygienic and quality food. Wherever possible, vehicles have been instructed to stop at establishments displaying the food hygiene sticker issued by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.
The department warned that both the drivers and the operators of the concerned hotels or restaurants would face strict legal action if passengers are found to have fallen ill after consuming unhygienic food.
Passengers who encounter poor-quality food, inadequate sanitation or overcharging at highway eateries during their journeys can immediately report the incidents by calling Nepal Police’s helpline at 100.
They can also file complaints with the nearest District Administration Office, District Police Office, District Traffic Police Office or the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and its subordinate offices, the department said.
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