Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has decided to halt the registration of new public vehicles, including electric public vehicles, until further notice.
Issuing a circular to offices and transport management offices across the country, the Department of Transport Management said the decision was taken in view of rising air pollution, increasing traffic congestion and difficulties in vehicle movement caused by the growing pressure of vehicles on roads.
“Due to the lack of scientific management of public transportation, air pollution, vehicle density, and traffic congestion have increased excessively, causing difficulties in movement. To address the discomfort and hardships brought upon public vehicles and transportation by the rising prices of fuel, it appears necessary to ensure the proper management of public transport,” the DoTM said in the circular.
Citing Section 24 (3) of the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1993, the DoTM said it has the authority to suspend the registration of any type of vehicle in the public interest due to environmental pollution, vehicle pressure, road conditions, traffic difficulties or other related reasons.
Based on this provision, the government has directed all transport management offices and local bodies to immediately stop new registrations of public vehicles under Section 14 of the Act until another notice is issued.
