Gandaki will legalize ride-sharing service: Chief Minister Pandey

POKHARA: Gandaki Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey has announced plans to legalize ride-sharing services in the region.

Speaking at a Provincial Development Problem Resolution Committee meeting organized by the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission in Pokhara on Friday, he said that ride-sharing would gain legal recognition under the Provincial Vehicle and Transport Management Regulations, 2023.

“The regulations are in the process of being approved by the Cabinet. Discussions with transport operators about bringing ride-sharing into the legal framework have been held at various stages,” said Pandey. “Since transport management falls within the jurisdiction of the provincial government, we are working to provide legal validity to ride-sharing through the necessary provisions.”

Pandey also said that the Supreme Court had ruled that ride-sharing could operate within legal boundaries.

Previously, in June, the province’s transport ministry had halted unauthorized ride-sharing operations in Pokhara conducted via mobile applications. Transport operators had opposed the practice, arguing that vehicles with private red number plates could not legally carry passengers under the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1992.

The new regulations propose that private two-wheelers and four-wheelers registered for personal use will be allowed to carry passengers if they meet insurance requirements and follow prescribed procedures. However, private vehicles will only be eligible for ride-sharing registration after the Cabinet approves the regulations and sets standards and procedures.

(Translated from RSS)