A delegation led by Journalist Association for Automobile and Mobility Nepal’s President Ujjwal Jung Shah has met with the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Narayankaji Shrestha to discuss various issues related to the  transport and mobility sector.

During the interaction program, the delegation requested the Hon. Minister to work on the areas of public transport, electric vehicles, street lights, traffic management in the corridor, road safety audit, and public awareness on road safety. Apart from that, the association also suggested the better management of ride-sharing services, efficient monitoring of license offices and establishment of vehicle fitness centres in every province.

Minister Shrestha promised to discuss and implement the suggestions given by JAAM Nepal with the relevant parties. Sharing his viewpoint, Minister Shrestha said, “My focus is not only on listening to problems and taking suggestions but also on studying and implementing them.” He further added, “I have made the improvement of the transport sector my first priority.”

Minister Shrestha also said that the focus will be on good governance, management of the transport sector and improvement of the physical infrastructure during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Sagar Gajurel, the general secretary of JAAM Nepal, expressed his belief that Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha will take the necessary steps to improve the transport and mobility sector.

The points put forward by JAAM Nepal are as follows: 

1. To improve the quality of public transport.

2. Promote the use of EVs by providing some concessions while converting to EVs.

3. Expand the traffic lights and repair existing lights within a month.

4. Implement proper traffic management in the corridor. Form a new expert team if necessary.

5. Immediately stop large vehicles from plying on BP highway.

6. Conduct a road safety audit of all roads under the road department across the country.

7. Raise public awareness about road safety and traffic safety.

8. Implement different number plates for vehicles used for ride-sharing purposes.

9. Implement new taxi standards. Enforce the use of vehicles above 1000 cc or at least BS 6 standard if possible.

10. Empower the offices related to driving license examinations.

11. Increase the fine for violating traffic rules by 100 percent. Also, effectively implement lane management.

12. Complete digitization of the services provided by the transport office.

13. Deploy a team on the road to test the pollution of vehicles every day.

14. Establishing vehicle fitness centers in all provinces.