DoTM lifts restriction for public vehicles imported before registration ban

Nepal's Department of Transport Management has eased a ban on registering new public vehicles, allowing those imported before a recent halt to proceed with registration. The department has instructed provincial and local authorities to register eligible vehicles. This move benefits importers who had already opened letters of credit by May 23 and whose vehicles had entered the country.

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Not all public vehicle registrations have been opened. This applies only to vehicles imported and processed before the decision to halt registrations.

The department clarified that the registration is only for vehicles that were in the process of import before the halt. It does not apply to any vehicles imported after May 23. This decision comes after a May 22 directive that suspended new public vehicle registrations nationwide, citing concerns over air pollution, rising fuel costs, and traffic congestion.

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There is no decision regarding vehicles imported after May 23. This applies only to those that were already in process.

Previously, the Bagmati Province Ministry of Labour, Employment and Transport had continued registrations, while other provinces complied with the federal directive. The initial suspension aimed to address unscientific public transport management, which was leading to increased emissions, vehicle pressure, and mobility challenges. The department stated it is working on a new regulatory framework and standards before fully reopening registrations.

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To ensure proper management of public transport, it has become necessary to suspend registrations under Section 14 of the Transport Management Act 1993 until further notice.