Commuter buses and trucks remained out of service in Chitwan on Friday as well due to the ongoing countrywide indefinite strike called by drivers. Drivers have resorted to a strike since Monday demanding amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act.

Drivers halted their services from Tuesday citing that the amendments made to the Act are not driver friendly. They have been saying that the new amendments to the Act held drivers largely accountable if any accidents occur on the road.

An all-party meeting held in Chitwan District Administration on Thursday had decided to immediately operate the public vehicles. But the decision has not been implemented.

Vehicle owners, political parties and trade unions have refuted their involvement in the ongoing protest of drivers.

Agitating Lal Prasad Gautam said that the public vehicles could start their services from this afternoon.

“Yes, public vehicles are not operating their services in many places. We have not obstructed vehicular movement in Chitwan. Our friends are holding a meeting in Kathmandu today. The vehicles will operate their services once they reach consensus with the government,” Gautam said.

Petrol pumps in Chitwan have remained closed the entire day on Friday after the tankers could not transport fuel from Amlekhgunj due to vehicular strike.

Limited public vehicles are operating their services in the city areas.