Himal Press 
POKHARA: Public transportation across Gandaki Province came to a complete halt on Friday following a strike called by the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation.
The strike has left passengers stranded and affected daily life.
According to the federation, the strike is part of a pre-announced protest demanding the full withdrawal of the ‘ride-sharing’ regulations recently issued by the Gandaki Province government.
Although public vehicles have remained off the roads, private vehicles are operating as usual. All long- and short-distance buses, taxis, and other public transport services have been suspended throughout the province.
The controversial ride-sharing regulations were approved by the provincial cabinet on April 13. Although transport entrepreneurs had protested the regulations at that time, they had withdrawn their protests after the government promised to address their concerns. They have resumed their agitation, accusing the provincial government of moving forward with the implementation of the regulations without further consultation with them.
“We had no choice but to restart our protest after the government ignored our demands,” said Yogendra KC, chairperson of the Prithvi Highway Bus Operators Company.
KC estimated that around 15,000 vehicles across the province are parked in homes and garages as part of the protest. His company alone operates around 1,200 buses.
The transport entrepreneurs have also warned of escalating the protest, including road blockades in the federal capital Kathmandu.
Kedar Paudel, chairperson of the federation’s Gandaki chapter, said the strike was launched to challenge the government’s indifferent attitude towards their demands.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has formed a committee led by the secretary of the transport ministry to address the concerns raised by transport entrepreneurs. Transport entrepreneurs have yet to enter formal talks with the government.
