NAIMA seeks review of taxi service standards

Kathmandu, Feb. 17

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has submitted its detailed suggestions on practical and policy-related issues observed in the currently implemented National Standards for Vehicles Used as Taxis, 2081.

It has submitted a letter to the Minister at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Madhav Prasad Chaulagain.

According to NAIMA, the Taxi Service Standards, 2081 classify taxi services into three categories - ordinary, special, and premium. The standards clearly define technical, safety, and service specifications, and any vehicle meeting these requirements may be included in taxi services.

At present, however, only sedan-type vehicles are permitted to operate as taxis in Bagmati Province.

NAIMA has drawn attention to the fact that, under the national standards, any vehicle falling within the ordinary, special, or premium categories and fulfilling all prescribed technical, safety, and service requirements is eligible for taxi service.

The association said in a statement that there appears to be no clear justification for excluding other useful, passenger-friendly vehicles suited to diverse needs, apart from sedans. "Allowing various vehicle categories that meet the standards would provide taxi operators with greater flexibility, while offering passengers improved comfort, luggage space, accessibility (including disability-friendly features), and more options based on group size," read the statement.

According to NAIMA, the letter also refers to international practice, noting that taxi services in many countries operate using vehicles of different sizes and categories.

In Nepal, particularly in Bagmati Province, options remain limited. Although some other cities permit different vehicle categories for taxi services, the absence of such provisions in Bagmati has created practical disparities.

In this context, NAIMA has suggested that permitting all vehicles that meet the prescribed technical, safety, and service specifications under the ordinary, special, and premium categories would be appropriate from the perspectives of fairness, equality, and service expansion.

NAIMA has expressed full respect for the objectives and intent of the policy framework prepared by the Ministry, clarifying that its recommendations are based on industry experience, practical needs, and the goal of enhancing service quality.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 February 2026.