Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has expressed objection to the existing provision in Bagmati Province that allows only sedan-type vehicles to be registered as taxis.
In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, NAIMA raised practical and policy concerns regarding the National Standards for Vehicles Used as Taxis, 2025, which is currently in effect.
“The 2024 Taxi Service Standards classify taxi services into three categories — general, special, and deluxe — with clearly defined technical, safety, and service specifications. According to the national standards, any vehicle meeting the prescribed criteria under these categories can be operated as a taxi,” it said in the memorandum. “However, in practice, only sedan vehicles are being permitted for taxi services in Bagmati Province. There is no clear basis for excluding other vehicle types that meet all technical, safety, and service requirements set by the national standards.”
According to NAIMA, allowing a wider range of compliant vehicles would provide greater flexibility to service providers and offer passengers more options, including better luggage space, improved accessibility for persons with disabilities, and suitable choices based on group size.
The association also cited examples of other countries where taxis operate across various vehicle sizes and classes.
While some provinces in Nepal permit different vehicle categories for taxi services, Bagmati Province has limited such options, NAIMA said.
