Transport monopoly has come to an end: Minister Mahaseth

KATHMANDU, April 23: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth said that the Supreme Court (SC) had terminated syndicate system persisting in the transport sector around one-and-a-half-decade ago and it would be implemented by all means.

Speaking at an interaction organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal in Kathmandu on Monday, Minister Mahaseth asserted that the government would not roll back its move of scrapping rotational system, which was put in to practice by transport entrepreneurs.

The government would make alternative arrangements if the transport entrepreneurs resorted to agitation in support of monopoly, the Minister added. He pledged to provide possible support if the entrepreneurs operate their business in line with government stipulated laws being registered as per the Company Act.

“A bill has been already drafted to ensure well management of transport sector where penalty of Rs 500,000 and five year jail-term have been provisioned. Once bus and mini-bus are managed the taxis would also be brought under the ambit of Company Registration Act”, he added.

KERUNG-KATHMANDU-RAXAUL TRAIN IN FIVE YEARS
Preparations are underway to launch a banking system with a view to facilitating business community and service recipients in the payment of tax and fees, he said, adding that vehicle license and blue book would go for digital system.

“Kathmandu-Kerung and Raxaul-Kathmandu train service would come into operation within five years”, the minister claimed.