National
Bus syndicate retreats after tough govt action
After the government’s decision to act tough on the transport syndicate involved in disrupting passenger service on the Araniko Highway against the route permit issued to a carrier, protesting committees have backed off from their announcement to block vehicular movement.Chandan Kumar Mandal
After the government’s decision to act tough on the transport syndicate involved in disrupting passenger service on the Araniko Highway against the route permit issued to a carrier, protesting committees have backed off from their announcement to block vehicular movement.
Backtracking on their call to not allow other public vehicles to ply the route east of Koteshwor, the agitating transport entrepreneurs returned to service on Thursday morning.
A group of 11 committees of public vehicle entrepreneurs on the route had, on Tuesday, decided to not allow other public buses to ply the road unless the Department of Transport Management revoked the route permit issued to Mayur Yatayat, the latest entrant offering public transport facilities.
Following their protest over the route permit, aimed at nurturing syndicate in public transport, the department decided to throw the protesting companies out of the route and issue new permits to other interested firms.
These bus operators were brought down to their knees as the department did not give in to their unjustifiable demands but issued temporary permits to eight other operators.
Sajha Yatayat, City Metro, Mahanagar Yatayat, Shiva Darshan, Madhya Upatyaka and Annapurna, among others, have received ‘direct permit’, the order valid for a week. Some of them have already started their services on the road.
Mayur Yatayat’s route permit was extended up to Panauti whereas Sajha bagged the permit for operating along the Kathmandu-Banepa route.
Transport Department Spokesperson Tulasi Ram Aryal said any further disruption by the transport companies in the name of continuing their cartel would not be tolerated. “Protesting companies have started operating their services. However, if they again launch protests to save their syndicate, we’ll have no option but to revoke their licence,” said Aryal.
The new companies can register with the department for permanent route permits. After assessing their documents and factors related to the route, the Transport Management Office, Ekantakuna will license the companies.
The department has reiterated its commitment to wiping out all transport syndicates across the country. It has kept the permits “open to all” completing the due procedure.
NC backs move against cartel
KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has supported the government’s decision to end the transport syndicate. The main opposition said efforts of the government to end the cartel are justified and it must be extended to other parts of the country.
This is probably the first instance of the opposition party extending its support to the government’s decision.
Congress Spokesperson Bishwa Prakash Sharma welcomed the government’s decision to issue permits to five companies to run buses on the Kathmandu-Dhulikhel route. (PR)