Indrive prepares women drivers

 Kathmandu, July 28

InDrive has completed the first cohort of its Driving Naari Nepal programme, with 10 women graduating after three months of training aimed at preparing them for professional two-wheeler driving.

In a programme organised in Kathmandu, the company awarded them with certificates after completing training launched in April 2026. The initiative was designed to help women from underserved communities access employment opportunities in the mobility sector and address barriers to entering the profession.

The training combined practical riding instruction with road safety education and support through the driving licence process. Each participant received a safety kit, including a helmet, first-aid kit and medical kit, the company said in a statement.

The programme also included self-defence training delivered in partnership with FightBack Nepal to help participants develop awareness and practical skills for personal safety.

Deputy Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office Sunil Jung Shah said road safety was a shared responsibility.

'Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every driver has an important role to play. We encourage the participants to follow traffic rules, stay alert and continue learning as they gain experience on the road. We congratulate them and wish them a safe and successful journey as professional drivers,' he said.

According to inDrive, obtaining a driving licence provides women with greater access to employment, education, healthcare and other services by reducing dependence on public transport and family members for travel.

The company said two-wheeler ride-hailing services can reach narrow streets and last-mile destinations that are often inaccessible to four-wheeled vehicles, while providing passengers with more transport options.

The certification ceremony was attended by partner organisations, government representatives, media and invited guests. Participants received certificates, safety kits and commemorative gifts from inDrive representatives and the company's Nepal brand ambassador, Swastima Khadka.

One participant won an electric scooter, three received smartphones and six were awarded smartwatches to support their work as professional riders.

Communications Manager of the company Manjeeta Gurung said the programme sought to address both skills development and social barriers faced by women entering the profession.

'Skills training is only part of the work. Social stigma matters just as much, and so does the ecosystem a woman steps into once she starts riding,' she said. 'The programme is designed to support women through licensing, confidence-building and income opportunities while expanding transport choices for passengers.'

Nepal launches first rail cargo from Kolkata port to Biratnagar

Kathmandu, July 17

Nepal has launched its first rail cargo service from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar – capital city of Koshi province, marking the start of direct railway transportation of third-country imports to eastern Nepal through India under the Nepal-India Transit Treaty.

The service commenced on Thursday after India expanded the scope of its Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) regulations to allow cargo trains from Kolkata, Haldia and Visakhapatnam ports to reach Biratnagar Customs via Jogbani, the Consulate General of Nepal in Kolkata informed in a statement on Friday.

Until now, Birgunj was the only customs point in Nepal connected to Indian ports by rail for third-country cargo. The extension of rail services to Biratnagar is expected to facilitate regular movement of both containerised and bulk cargo to eastern Nepal and support trade by improving transport efficiency and reducing overall transit costs.

"The expansion was introduced through India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Notification No. 73/2025-Customs issued on 4 November 2025, which amended the Electronic Cargo Tracking System Regulations, 2019," read the statement. The amendment permits third-country imports destined for Nepal to be transported by rail directly to Biratnagar Customs, in addition to the existing rail link to Birgunj.

Following the amendment, Kolkata Customs issued Public Notice on 26 February 2026, setting out the procedures for transporting cargo by rail from Kolkata and Haldia ports to the Nepal Customs Yard at Biratnagar through the Indian Customs Yard at Jogbani.

According to the Consulate General, the inaugural consignment departed from Kolkata Port on a Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) freight train. It consists of 40 high-capacity 40-foot containers operated by Maersk Line carrying Canola Grain – Farmer Dressed, imported for Swastik Oil Industries in Nepal.

All containers are equipped with the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, informed the Consulate General.

The cargo will travel through the Jogbani Integrated Customs Check Post (ICP) before entering Biratnagar Customs Yard.

Officials from the Consulate General of Nepal in Kolkata, Kolkata Customs, Kolkata Port and the Container Corporation of India jointly flagged off the first train.

Once fully operational, the service will be capable of transporting up to 45 forty-foot containers in a single train directly to Biratnagar. Acting president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Surkrishna Vaidya said that it will help in Nepal's international trade with the reduction of cost and time.

"Entrepreneurs have long been demanding with the government of Nepal and India to launch such service in order to facilitate both the importers and exporters in Nepal," he said.

The new rail corridor is expected to reduce logistics costs for Nepali importers by lowering demurrage charges, container detention fees and road transport expenses. Rail transport is also expected to shorten transit time to around 24 hours from Kolkata to Biratnagar while providing an alternative to road freight.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 July 2026.         

InDrive launches safe driving course

Kathmandu, July 1

Mobility and delivery platform inDrive has launched an online safe driving course in Nepal to provide driver partners with training on road safety, passenger interaction and emergency response.

The company informed in a statement that the mobile-friendly course, which takes around 20 minutes to complete, is already available on the platform. While many drivers have completed the training, the company plans to extend the programme to more than 100,000 inDrive drivers across Nepal.

The training programme consists of three modules covering on-platform safety and professional boundaries, road safety for ride-hailing services, and emergency response procedures.

The first module focuses on maintaining professional and respectful interactions with passengers and setting appropriate boundaries during rides. The second provides practical guidance on defensive driving, situational awareness and safe driving practices in traffic and unfamiliar environments. The third explains how drivers should respond during emergencies, including the use of the in-app SOS feature and incident reporting procedures.

According to the company, each module includes a five-minute instructional video followed by five multiple-choice questions. Drivers are required to score at least 80 per cent across all modules to receive a course completion certificate. Those who do not achieve the required score can retake the quizzes without any limit.

“The training programme is intended to improve drivers' understanding of road safety, strengthen risk management skills and help them respond more effectively to challenging situations while providing ride-hailing services,” read the statement.

Sunita Jeemi Rai, Senior Driver Operations Specialist at inDrive Nepal, said the course was designed to help drivers become better prepared for situations they may encounter on the road and to provide practical guidance that could improve safety for both drivers and passengers.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 July 2026.     

80% marks mandatory to become a Pathao rider

Kathmandu, June 10

To become a rider for the ride-sharing service provider Pathao Nepal, candidates must now mandatorily pass a test with at least 80 per cent marks.

The company said in a statement on Tuesday that this provision was introduced with the aim of ensuring safe and quality service.

Pathao has been implementing a mandatory online training and examination system as part of its rider registration process from the beginning to ensure quality, safety, and service experience of its riders, according to Marketing Head of the company Suraksha Hamal.

 She said that since the launch of the service, Pathao has adopted standards requiring riders to be proficient in digital systems, customer service, and traffic discipline.

Individuals wishing to become riders on Pathao must submit their vehicle’s Blue Book, a valid driving licence, and third-party insurance. Once these documents are submitted, they are enrolled in an online training session.

They are taught on interacting with customers, using the digital wallet, accepting orders through the app, as well as the company’s rules and policies.

The participants must score at least 80 per cent in the subsequent online examination. Those who fail must undergo training again the next day. “We have strictly enforced this process from the beginning,” said Hamal.

Meanwhile, the company has launched a 'Ride for a Cause' campaign to support the construction of a children's hospital.

The campaign ran from May 27 to June 16 with an aim to assist the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH), which is being built under the leadership of Dr. Bhagwan Koirala.

Under the campaign, a portion of the revenue from each ride will be allocated to the children's hospital. "The amount set aside will be deducted from the company's earnings, not from the riders," Hamal said adding that the campaign is being conducted as part of Pathao Nepal's corporate social responsibility.

Dr. Koirala has put forward a campaign to build children's hospitals in all seven provinces, including Kathmandu. A children's hospital has already been constructed in Jhapa in Koshi Province, a year ago. Now, children's hospitals will be built in the remaining provinces, including Bagmati.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 June 2025. 

Transport strike, a blow to tourism sector, entrepreneurs worry

Kathmandu, Jun. 3

The strikes of the public transport operators in the name of 'rescuing public transport' from the 'ride-hailing' business following Gandaki government's introduction of ride-hailing regulation on May 15 and Bagmati's intention to promulgate similar policy has severely impacted the public movement across the country.

It greatly frustrated the tourists – both domestic and foreign – who had been to various destinations in Nepal.

The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) said that the situation has had an adverse impact on the tourism sector of Nepal.

"Such incidents not only cause inconvenience to the foreign tourists travelling in Nepal but also domestic tourists, forcing them to postpone or cancel their tours. This could lead to a serious long-term decline in the international tourist influx into Nepal," NATTA said in a statement.

It expressed serious concerns to the obstructions to public transport seen in Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, and other key tourist destinations.

Likewise, Suman Ghimire, Past President of Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, said that both the tourists and hospitality businesses were impacted by the transportation strikes.

"Some tourists cancelled their trip to Sauraha and other destinations due to the ongoing strike of transport businesses. Hotels that don't have green-plate (tourist carrying) vehicles had to suffer additional problems," he said.

According to the hotel entrepreneurs of Kathmandu, if the protests sustained, international tourists would cancel their visits to Nepal.

Nepal Business Summit, organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce with other institutions, scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu on Monday was postponed due to the strikes.

President of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Binayak Shah said that the tourists travelling without having prior reservations were greatly affected as there would be no one to take them to the hotels and other destinations.

There are more than 8,000 tourist vehicles including buses, micro-buses, vans, jeeps and cars.

But only 250 buses offer passenger services to the regular routes while other run on reserve and provide point to point service.

Since such buses don't run regularly on destinations other than Pokhara and Chitwan, tourists in those locations experienced greater hassles, said Krishna Acharya, President of Tourist Bus Association of Nepal.

According to him, more than 100 buses were in operation along the Pokhara and Chiwan routes from Kathmandu. Initially, they had to face problem in Damauli of Tanahun but the police helped to run the buses safely.

"We have never ceased our service even during the emergency period. So, the government should provide security to us proactively," he said.

Acharya and all tourism entrepreneurs are worried that while the tourism activities have just reached to the situation of pre-COVID scenario, the strikes and disturbances would send negative messages to the prospective tourists.

 

Talks remain inconclusive

What is more worrisome is the protests and strikes are announced for an indefinite period against the decision to legalise the ride-sharing businesses by the provincial government.

The talks between the struggling entrepreneurs and government on Tuesday concluded inconclusive. It means the struggle would continue on Wednesday as well.

Chairman of the struggle committee Bijaya Bahadur Swar issued a statement on Tuesday that the protests will persist until a resolution is reached.

Stating that there have been no formal discussion between the struggling transport businesspeople and the government, he announced that the protest programmes would continue until their demands are met.

"We urge all transport operators, self-employed individuals, and transport workers to continue these protests peacefully and in an organised manner," read the statement by the struggle committee.

Gandaki provincial government said that the steps to leagalise the ride-hailing businesses have been taken to ensure safety and security in the business and bring it in the tax-net. Additionally, the Supreme Court had already issued directives to the governments at the federal and provincial level to regulate these businesses with proper policy guidelines.

However, the public transport service operators have cited the federal Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act to make a point that it's illegal to use private vehicles to run on rental service or carry passengers.

 

Free shuttle service for tourists

Meanwhile, Nepal Tourism Board has launched a free shuttle bus service jointly with the NATTA for the convenience of tourists.

It is offering a complimentary transport for tourists arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, from the airport's arrival area to major hotels in Kathmandu.

The NTB also said that such convenient, organised, and tourist-friendly services will continue to be expanded in the coming days.

The Nepal Police is also operating free bus service for the tourists and passengers.

General Secretary of NATTA, Yubika Bhandari, urged in the statement that in such an uncomfortable situation with transport obstructions, the Nepal government, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the local administration, and local bodies are urged to find immediate solutions.

NATTA urged the stakeholders to adopt a long-term strategic approach to operate the transport sector smoothly and safely.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 June 2025. 

BusSewa launches India ticketing

Kathmandu, May 28

BusSewa has launched an online ticketing service for passengers travelling by bus from Nepalgunj to India’s major religious and commercial centres - Delhi and Haridwar.

It informed in a statement on Wednesday that the service has been introduced in collaboration with Bheri Yatayat Pvt. Ltd., which operates luxury buses on these routes from Nepalgunj.

BusSewa has already been providing online ticketing services to various major destinations across Nepal from east to west, including the capital Kathmandu. "Now, responding to passenger demand, the company has extended this service to destinations in India as well," read the statement.

To book a ticket, passengers can log into the BusSewa mobile app, select their destination, travel date, and time, and then reserve a seat on a Bheri Yatayat bus. Tickets can also be booked via the BusSewa web portal by visiting bussewa.com on any web browser.

Seats marked in blue indicate availability, and passengers can choose the most convenient seat and make payment online to confirm the booking.

BusSewa also confirms ticket bookings via SMS. Passengers can either show the digital ticket received or the confirmation SMS when boarding the bus.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 May 2025. 

BusSewa announces New Year offer

 Kathmandu, Apr. 6

The online bus ticketing platform, BusSewa, has announced a special offer to mark the Nepali New Year 2082. The New Year offer will be valid from Saturday, April 6 to April 19 (24 Chait 2081 to 6 Baisakh 2082). During this period, passengers purchasing bus tickets through BusSewa will be eligible to participate in this offer.

One lucky winner will receive a cash prize of Rs. 82,000 as part of the bumper prize. Likewise, four winners will receive Rs. 8,200 in cash, the company informed in a statement on Saturday.  Moreover, 82 passengers will receive free tickets throughout the offer period, and there will be a cashback offer of up to Rs. 500 on every ticket booking. This means that for every ticket purchased, a maximum of Rs. 500 will be instantly refunded to the passenger's wallet in cash.

The cash prizes and free ticket schemes will apply to only one ticket booked per account. To participate in the offer, tickets must be booked via BusSewa’s mobile app or website.

Once the payment is made online, the ticket will be confirmed, and BusSewa will notify the passengers via SMS as well.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 April 2025.    

Chobhar Dry Port begins customs clearance of vehicles from Tatopani

 Kathmandu, Mar. 2

The Chobhar Dry Port has begun the customs clearance of the freight vehicles from the Tatopani border from February 27.

Since its operation on 5 April 2022, the Dry Port has been handling customs clearance for containerised cargo and new vehicles arriving only from Birgunj - the southern border with India.

On that day, four containers carrying hydropower equipment, imported by Covec-Cregc-Kalika Joint Venture, arrived directly at Chobhar Dry Port for customs clearance via the Tatopani border for the first time, informed the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB), in a statement on Sunday.

In November 2024, the Ministry of Finance had published a notice in the official gazette, designating the road route for importers who wish to transport goods internally from the Tatopani and Rasuwa customs offices (both at the border with China) to the Chobhar Dry Port for customs clearance.

Previously, only goods from the southern customs offices—Birgunj, Biratnagar, Kakarbhitta and Bhairahawa—were permitted to undergo customs clearance here.

With containerised cargo now arriving from Tatopani as well, activity at the dry port has increased. "This development will further contribute to the port's full-capacity operation," said Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the NITDB, an agency under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

He also stated that due to adequate infrastructure, minimal service charges and high-quality services, importers and exporters are expected to use the Dry Port regularly in the coming days.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway to facilitate customs clearance for freight vehicles and containers from the Rasuwa border in the future. "Since Chobhar Dry Port offers high-quality services for imported goods arriving in Kathmandu and exports from the surrounding areas, I urge the businesses to make maximum use of the facility," said Gajurel. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 March 2025.   

InDrive introduces accident insurance

Kathmandu, Feb. 14

InDrive, a mobility and urban services platform, has introduced accidental insurance for passengers and drivers.

According to the company, the insurance implemented in collaboration with Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Limited (SALICO) aims to enhance safety and provide financial security to both drivers and passengers in case of unforeseen incidents during their rides.

Rita Pokharel, Country Representative of inDrive Nepal, and Chunky Chhetry, CEO of SALICO signed the agreement to this effect.

Under this agreement, Rs. 800,000 will be provided in case of death or permanent total disability of drivers or passengers.

Likewise, up to Rs. 80,000 will be reimbursed for medical treatment expenses incurred due to an accident. For minor passengers, the compensation will be 50 per cent of the insured amount.

Pokharel said that the insurance service will provide riders and passengers with peace of mind, allowing them to travel with confidence.

"This insurance coverage will provide essential financial protection, reinforcing our dedication to creating a secure ride-hailing environment in Nepal,” she said.

The inDrive app has been downloaded over 240 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022 and 2023. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides urban services including intercity transportation and delivery.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 February 2025.  

Sangraula elected new NEFFA president

Kathmandu, Dec. 28

Rajendra Sangraula has been elected unopposed as the president of the Nepal Freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA).

The 24^th Annual General Assembly held in Kathmandu on Friday evening unanimously elected the new executive committee for the association’s upcoming term.

Likewise, Naresh Kumar Agrawal is elected as the senior vice president of the NEFFA, Ashok Man Kapali as vice president, Hari Prasad Dhakal as general secretary, Ishwor Bahadur Gurung as treasurer and Sanjiv Aryal as joint treasurer, and Sujan Kumar Neupane as secretary.

Likewise, Sahadev Banjara, Manish Man Shrestha, Ganga Ram Pudasaini, Ganga Bahadur Raya, Sanjiv Shakya, Rajesh Chandra Pradhanang, and Pranusha Karki are elected as the members.

The first meeting of the newly elected executive committee nominated Nirmal Paudel as a member. According to the association’s bylaws, the executive committee comprises 14 members elected through direct voting, with two additional members nominated by the president in consultation with the committee.

Similarly, former president Prakash Singh Karki has been appointed as the coordinator of the Advisory Committee while outgoing president Manoj Adhikari will continue to serve as an ex-officio member of the executive committee.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 December 2024.   

Bridging Nepal's Connectivity Gaps

 More Tunnels, More Bridges

The Kathmandu Terai Expressway shortens the journey from Kathmandu to Nijgadh by 193 km and saves almost five hours journey in an normal traffic scenario. This Asian-standard highway facilitates better connectivity of Kathmandu to the southern plains, including the capital city of Bagmati Province, Hetaunda and one of the industrial centres of the country, Birgunj. After the completion of the Expressway, people can travel Hetaunda to Kathmandu in about two hours in a confortable and comparatively risk-free manner. Express travel through the fast track road will be made possible by six tunnels of more than 10 km distance, and about 89 bridges that would make a combined length of 8 km.

There are multiple connectivity options between Kathmandu and Hetaunda but none is shorter than three hours. Meanwhile, those entire road connections were severed by the floods and landslides caused by the torrential rain in the last week of September this year. The disaster claimed the lives of 239 people while 18 individuals are still missing. Many of those lives were lost along the road, multiple vehicles were buried under the debris or landslides – three vehicles buried in the mudslide in Jhyaple Khola of Dhading district that claimed the lives of 35 individuals is one example. According to the statistics maintained by the Traffic Police, about 2,500 people lose their lives in road accidents across the country every year. Narrow road with steep elevation and sharp bends is one of primary causes of those accidents.

This analogy stresses the need of better road infrastructure facilitated by bridges and tunnels. Considered as the first tunnel project on a national highway, the Nagdhunga Tunnel shortens the road journey by 7.5 KM but might reduce the travel time by more than half an hour. While countries having similar topography to Nepal have long been in tunnel and bridge construction for the road and railway projects, this country is lagging owning to the severe dearth of financial resources, technical know-how and vision for the infrastructure development.

Mountain roads with sharp bends not only increase the risk of accident but also delay the travel and transportation. It has negatively impacted the tourism industry as tourists are apprehensive of visiting the destinations out of the Kathmandu Valley. A Croatian tourist was so scared during the Kathmandu-Pokhara travel last month that he would consider twice before making a road journey in Nepal. Tunnels can address this fear and uncertainty.

Bad roads create woes during the festivals. About 1.8 million people are traveling to their homes from the Kathmandu Valley alone. A large number of people also travel to their houses in villages or towns from the provincial capitals and industrial cities.

 

Solutions to the maladies

Tunnel and bridges face fewer disturbances from the floods and landslides, and immensely helps in mobilising the rescue teams and relief materials during hard times. They also create better connectivity in the hill and mountain areas where infrastructure development is costly and challenging and their management demands a huge amount of money. For example, the government has spent more than Rs. 650 million in the maintenance of Karnali Highway in the past two years. There are about 500 landslides along the 145-km Kathmandu-Narayangadh road.

This long journey has increased the cost of trade, caused inflation in the domestic market and decreased the competitiveness of Nepali goods in the international market. Obstruction-free transportation could be a great boon for the producers and traders, especially the farmers, of perishable items like vegetables, fruits and dairy items. It also reduces the imports of petroleum fuel, vehicles and their spare parts, that together make the largest import of the country, and can have positive impact on the trade balance and foreign exchange reserves. Reduction in the cost of trade has long been a primary agenda of the government but for the past several decades only lip-service has been paid to this notion. This inertia and indifference in the part of the government and infrastructure-agencies is exhibited in the national highways and other transportation infrastructures.

Tunneling and bridging the roads can be instrumental in the preservation of heritage sites and agricultural land along the road. There will be fewer disturbances to the vulnerable topography and young mountains like Chure hills. As they are better engineered for safety and durability, there are fewer chances of landslides and other damages. About 100-150 metre bridge in Jhyaple Khola, instead of a sharp bend above a narrow culvert, would have averted the recent disaster, and there would have been less uncertainty in travel and transportation if similar strategy were adopted in such critical locations.

If the roads and railways are reliable, people prefer public transport over their personal passenger vehicles. This means less emission of carbon dioxide and environmental pollution which will result in better public health and increased productivity of people.

 

Still a long journey

Development of tunnels and large motorable bridges is easier said than done particularly in a country that has hills and mountains in 83 per cent of its land. While the very hills and mountains create the need for the tunnels and large bridges, their topography create complexity and pose challenges in the development work. Likewise, ecological challenges are paramount especially in the Chure region. They demand sound planning and efficient execution of the development projects bet that a tunnel or a road on the surface.

Nepal still doesn't have an efficient institutional setup for the tunnels although a division is created for the bridges at the Department of Roads. While the Nagdhunga tunnel is developed by a Japanese agency, construction of the expressway is delayed also because of the delay in the tender process of tunnel as neither the Nepal Army nor any other national agency was competent in conducting the feasibility study or the detailed project report or constructing them.

Technology transfer is another area of concern. There are a couple of instances within Nepal – Melamchi Water Supply Project and Babai Irrigation Project – that better technology reduces the cost of development and expedites the construction. With the use of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), Babai Irrigation Project completed the tunnel construction ahead of the stipulated time while the MWSP witnessed a sluggish progress in absence of it.

Similarly, lack of understanding and will-power in the government and concerned agencies is another obstacle in this regard. While a section of the bureaucracy and policy makers make fun of the visions to create large tunnels and bridges, another section discourages such visions and planning citing the shortages of funds, technology and human resources. It is also true that the country has a shortage of skilled engineers and geologists to move ahead with the tunneling and construction of large bridges. Hence, the government should immediately formulate a long-term policy and short-term development plan for the construction of tunnels and bridges. International Development Partners and other donors should be asked to channelise their financial support to this very need of national development. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily's Dashain supplement on 8 October 2024. 

FM Paudel, Chinese Vice Premier He discuss key infrastructure projects

Kathmandu, Sept. 25

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Nepal, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, has discussed the development of some of the key infrastructure projects in Nepal with the support of China with Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng.

In a bilateral meeting between the two on Wednesday morning, they discussed various matters of bilateral relations as well, informed the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing of China in a statement.

DPM Paudel discussed key infrastructure projects including the construction of Kerung-Kathmandu Railway: Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel; Kimathanka-Hile and Hilsa-Surkhet-Bhurigaon roads; Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology; and Damak Industrial Park, among others.

He also stressed the need to increase the number of direct international flights from various Chinese cities to Bhairahawa and Pokhara international airports.

Expressing happiness over the excellent longstanding relations, DPM Paudel expressed the need to expedite the implementation of agreements for further deepening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In response, Vice Premier He underscored the importance of implementing the agreements to further strengthening the bilateral ties. He also expressed the desire to expedite the development projects including infrastructure, transport and connectivity, according to the statement.

DPM Paudel was accompanied by Surendra Kumar Yadav, Charge d’affaires at the Embassy, Mahesh Bhattarai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and other officials of the Government of Nepal. Similarly, the Chinese side included Li Xiaopeng, Minister of Transport, Mu Peng, Vice Mayor of Beijing Municipal People's Government, Fei Dongbin, Director General of National Railway Administration, Song Zhiyong, Director General of Civil Aviation Administration of China, and other senior officials of the Government of China.

Following the meeting, DPM Paudel, delivering a statement at the opening ceremony of the 'Global Sustainable Transport Forum', emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable and reliable transport system to boost connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life.

"He stated that efficient transport infrastructure is a key determinant of competitiveness especially for a landlocked country like Nepal and the government has made significant progress in expanding road networks and increasing electric vehicle usage," read the statement.

DPM Paudel also highlighted that collaboration with international partners, including China and private sector, is key to achieving an efficient, accessible and sustainable transport future.  He also stated that Nepal envisions to improve rural transport access; enhance road safety; and explore innovative solutions like pod way system while focusing on green energy transition.

DPM Paudel is in Beijing leading the Nepali delegation to participate in the 'Global Sustainable Transport Forum' being held on 25-26 September. He had reached Beijing on Tuesday. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 September 2024.

Bussewa completes preparations for online ticket booking

 Kathmandu, Sept. 24

Online bus ticketing service provider, Bussewa dot com, said that the preparations have been completed for the opening of the online booking of the bus tickets for Dashain travel.

Bijaya Swar, President of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE), said that despite the discussions regarding ticket booking with the government on Sunday, no conclusion was reached, so the booking will be started according to the decision made in the upcoming meeting with the Department of Transport Management.

He said that ticket booking would start in a few days as the great festival Dashain is approaching.

Bussewa informed that it is now possible to buy tickets in advance from Kathmandu to destinations like Silgudi, Delhi, Pokhara, Kakdbhitta, Biratnagar, Dharan, Bhojpur, and to all the major cities of Nepal from Pokhara.

According to PR Khanal, CEO of Bussewa, more than 42,000 tickets can be purchased from online platform daily for 433 destinations in more than 70 districts. "We want to help people to get rid of the compulsion to go to the bus park or the counter for tickets after the booking opens," said Khanal, "When you buy tickets online, you will be able to choose the bus and the seat, so there will be no conflict between passengers and the transport management."

Taking into account the problem of traffic congestion on the road, Bussewa has already launched a passenger lounge in Kalanki, Kathmandu. According to the company, passengers who have bought a ticket from the online platform can use the lounge. More than 450 transport committees and companies are affiliated to Bussewa. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 September 2024.

NTWC completes 54 years in business

 Kathmandu, Sept. 15

Nepal Transport and Warehousing Company Limited (NTWCL), a state-owned enterprise has entered its 55^th year of establishment. The company was established in September 1970 with the aim of providing transportation related services for goods exported from Nepal to overseas countries and imported from those countries.

Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Damodar Bhandari said that the company should proceed with a business plan in the coming days.

"The jurisdiction of the company should be improved. There is no option but to move forward by making an effective and strategic action plan," he said, "It is not possible to fulfill the target of Nepal's international trade in the current state. There are a lot of challenges and complications that must be overcome with better professional performance."

Minister Bhandari said that many daunting obstacles have been overcome in the past many years since the establishment of the company.

Likewise, the Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Krishna Bahadur Raut emphasised that the company should expand its services. He said that everyone's support and cooperation is necessary to make the company agile.

According to him, there is a need to expand the branches through institutional restructuring.

Chairman of the NTWCL, Chhapiraj Pant promised to play a more specific and sophisticated role in Nepal's import-export trade, warehouse operation and transportation facilitation. He said that he expected the creative support and cooperation of all stakeholders to make the company more dynamic and expand its services.

Likewise, General Manager of the company, Prakash Prasad Pokharel, said that the company will develop a business plan and move forward and there is a plan to start the construction of infrastructure for coal storage on the leased land in Haldia of India to invite private investment partnership in the construction of infrastructure on the leased land in Kolkata Port, and to prepare a business model for the operation of truck transportation services from Kolkata to Nepal.

Under the Companies Act of India, 1956, this company, which has been registered as a foreign company in India and is continuously providing services, is providing services through eight offices, including the central office, branches and sub-branches.

The NTWCL was established with the aim of supporting the development of Nepal's economy by facilitating the import-export trade, increasing transportation-related facilities in foreign trade and stabilising costs, and providing necessary facilities and services to all government and non-government customers.

The company has branch offices in Kolkata, Kakadbhitta, Birgunj, Gautam Buddha International Airport and Tribhuvan International Airport. Similarly, there are sub-branches in Haldia and Radhikapur.

Through these offices, the company provides clearing (customs documentation, duty and tax calculation and customs clearance), forwarding (transport coordination, transportation documentation, cargo handling and warehousing) and undertaking services, informed Pokharel.

In the Fiscal Year 2022/23, the company has earned Rs. 302.2 million and spent Rs. 261.1 million to earn a net profit of Rs. 41.1. The company has an accumulated profit of Rs. 543.8 million.

The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Financial Comptroller General Office hold 12,243 units of shares in the company at the rate of 1,000 per share.

The company has prepared annual policy and programmes to further expand the service area in the current Fiscal Year 2024/25. It has emphasised on the construction of necessary infrastructure for the commercial use of long-term leased land in Kolkata-Haldia in India and Birganj-Raxaul in India.

According to Pokharel, procedural arrangements will be made regarding operation and management partnership.

It is mentioned in the policy and programmes that necessary study and consultations will be conducted for the search of new business opportunities while absorbing the changes in the nature of logistics services related to business facilitation that the company has been operating traditionally.

Similarly, to increase the company's role in transportation logistics, it said that it will look for formal partnership possibilities with related parties and emphasize on marketing and marketing.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 September 2024.

inDrive underscores safety

Kathmandu, Sept. 14

inDrive has accorded top priority to safety of drivers and passengers, said Roman Ermoshin, Director of Ride-Hailing (APAC) inDrive who is in Kathmandu to observe company operations in the market that it entered recently.

"To uphold our commitment to safety, we have introduced the Safety Pact - an initiative empowering user with dedicated features, tips, and a code of conduct for drivers and passengers. We promote mutual respect and have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination," he said at an interaction with journalists on Wednesday.  

According to him, by pursuing expansion, growth, customer satisfaction, and safety, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering great results and making a positive impact in the communities it serves, said Ermoshin.

With more than two billion rides completed across the world, inDrive, a global mobility, urban services and community development platform, is disrupting the ride-sharing industry in Nepal by allowing passengers and drivers to negotiate fairer fares among themselves.

inDrive launched its services in Kathmandu in 2022 and since then has been giving customers the liberty to set the price for their rides.

Evolving over the years, inDriver (Independent Drivers) has transformed to become inDrive (Inner Drive) a marketplace of urban services.

Ermoshin said that inDrive exists to prove that ride-hailing apps can and should be more human – because a fair price is something people can agree on, not hope for.

Today, inDrive is the second most downloaded mobility app in the world and serves more than 100 million users worldwide in over 700 cities across 48 countries on five continents.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 September 2023. 

First passenger lounge set up at Dhunge Adda

Kathmandu, Nov. 11

Online bus ticketing service, bussewa.com, has launched a passenger lounge (passenger waiting room) at Dhunge Adda in Kalanki of Kathmandu. Kalanki is the largest entry/exit point for vehicles and passengers to and from Kathmandu.

The company said that although there is a passenger lounge facility for air passengers, a lounge for bus passengers has been built for the first time in Nepal targeting the passengers traveling by road transport.

“The bus service has brought the lounge into operation so that the passengers do not have any kind of hassle while waiting for the bus they are going to,” said the company. The lounge was inaugurated on Friday by Ghanshyam Giri, Mayor of Chandragiri Municipality.

Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and free drinking water are provided to the passengers in the lounge. Not only the passengers who bought tickets from the bus service in the lounge, but also all other passengers can use the facility. With the launch of the lounge, passengers no longer need to wait for their bus by standing at the road side facing smoke and dust.

Inaugurating the lounge, Giri said that this type of lounge, which was built for the first time in Nepal, would be very useful for passengers.

He said, “I have never seen this kind of lounge in Nepal designed for the purpose of road transport passengers. If there are lounges like this in other parts of the country, the transport business will become more organised. The municipality will also help expand it to other areas of Chandragiri.”

Similarly, Superintendent of Police (SP) Awadesh Bista Chhetri of the Traffic Police Division said that this type of lounge will facilitate the passengers and play a major role in road safety.

PR Khanal, CEO of bussewa.com, said that the company has arranged this lounge keeping in mind the inconvenience of passengers, who have to wait for their vehicles for a long time, due to lack of security of the goods, and dust. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 November 2022. 

Transport workers cry foul over policy to ditch 20-year-old vehicles

Kathmandu, Sept. 22

Self-employed transport workers have demanded with the government to expand the vehicle fitness testing facility across the country and allow the ‘technically fit’ vehicles to ply on the road even though they are in operation for more than 20 years.

“Our demand is that the vehicles should be allowed to run on the basis of their fitness test. Some vehicles could be unfit to run in 10 years while others won’t be worthless even after 30-40 years," President of Self-Employed Transport Workers’ Union (SETWU), Khadga Bahadur Giri, said at a press conference organised in the capital to protest the government policy to bar 20-year-old vehicles from running.

Currently there is only one vehicle fitness centre run by the government at Ekantakuna where, sometimes, entrepreneurs have to wait for up to six days for their turn to get their vehicle’s fitness checked. Another one is in Teku which is used for testing the fitness of private vehicles.

“The government should expand fitness centres to all seven provinces. Even though the government raises a large amount of revenue from the import and operation of vehicles, it has been reluctant for long to provide essential facilities and services to the entrepreneurs,” said Madhu Adhikari, Vice-President of SETWU.

The organisation maintained that the fitness of a vehicle depends on its care so putting all the vehicles in one basket is not appropriate. According to the transport entrepreneurs, vehicles imported from the third countries have longer life while vehicles made in India have comparatively shorter life-span but most of them are already displaced.

However, we don’t demand to permit the damaged and unfit vehicles to run, they said.

With the implementation of the policy, about 10,000 vehicles, registered with the government from 1996 to 2015 and used for public transportation, would be out of business. Most of these vehicles are the products like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Kia and Hyundai. Since the price of these vehicles went up significantly in the previous decade, their replacement would propel the import of Indian vehicles which compared to their third counterparts have shorter life and lower quality, said the entrepreneurs.

According to Giri, replacement of these vehicles would result in the loss of about 10,000 job loss and 50,000 dependent family members will be affected. Self-employed transport entrepreneurs cover more than half of total businesspersons in this sector.

“Furthermore, it will jeopardize the investment of about Rs. 15.31 billion. The displacement of vehicles in the current situation will have a big impact on the foreign exchange reserves of the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, 11 banks and financial institutions and 124 cooperatives in the Kathmandu Valley have mobilsed loans to purchase micro-buses.

With the depleting foreign currency reserves, the government has imposed a ban on various luxury items, including vehielcs and asked the importers to manage cash margins on the imports of other items. The balance of payment is sufficient to manage the goods and services imports for eight months, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank.

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has recently seized more than two dozen vehicles used for public transport. It said that it has been implementing the policy to stop the two-decade old vehicles from running on the road.

The SETWU has submitted memorandums to   the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport of the federal government, Development and Technology Committee of the Parliament, DoTM and Ministry of Transport of all the seven provinces, demanding to correct this rider. “But, no one paid any attention to our demands,” said Adhikari.

Ravi KC, President of the United Transport Workers Association, said that the government has not stopped collecting tax from the vehicles that have been in operation for 20 years and transferring their ownership.

The government had announced the policy to replace 20-year-old vehicles more than two decades ago in 1999 but it had not been implemented.

Later, in 2014, the government began to implement the policy but seizing of vehicles has begun recently. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 September 2022. 

Indriver in process to register in Nepal

 Kathmandu, July 31

The international ride-sharing company, Indriver, has initiated the process to get it registered in Nepal to formalise its business locally.

"Process to register the business locally in Nepal as a ride hailing – public transport company has begun. We will soon expand the business in other cities across the country soon," Pavit Nanda Anand, PR Manager of the company for South Asia, said in a conversation with The Rising Nepal.

She informed that till now Indriver has been just promoting the business and has not raised any commission from the drivers.

The California, USA-based company has expanded its business in more than 645 cities of 45 countries including Nepal. It has officially launched the business in India Nepal and Pakistan, and it will be available in Bangladesh soon. The mobile application of this real-time deal model ride sharing and taxi hailing company has the second largest download.

It was launched in Indian city Chandigarh three years and now is operating in multiple cities there.

Currently, Bangladeshi Pathao and domestic Tootle are operating in Nepal while a couple of domestic ride-hailing companies are in the pipeline.

Anand said that Indriver has transparent system to operate business. "We verify all the documents of the riders and drivers, and publish online. We will have a customer support team which connects to the police in case of emergency," she said.

However, she informed that Indriver doesn't have insurance policy for the passengers but maintained that it would be managed if the government policy demanded it.

According to Anand, the company is a different product than the available ride sharing or taxi hailing companies functioning in the market as it provides the bargaining options to the drivers and passengers.

The company is running Corporate Social Responsibility activities to promote women entrepreneurs in the IT sector and plans to launch tech awards in Nepal to support them.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 August 2022. 

Naubise-Nagdhunga Tunnel achieves over 50 per cent progress

 Kathmandu, Jun 9

The Naubise-Nagdhunga tunnel has achieved more than 50 per cent progress.

The Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project under the Department of Roads informed that about 2,901 metres tunnel is opened of the total target of 5,499 metres, which makes the progress of about 53 per cent.

According to the project, construction of about 1,283m of the 2,688m main tunnel is dug. Approximately 660m is dug from Kathmandu side and 623m from Dhading side.

Likewise, 1444m escape tunnel - 838m from Kathmandu side and 606m from Dhading, Sisne Khola side – is dug.

The project has so far achieved 37 per cent overall physical progress and 45.50 per cent financial progress.

Meanwhile, 126 meters working audit has been constructed at Dhading side. So far, 48 meters of cross passage has been constructed.

The total length of the tunnel is 2.69 KM, and it will have openings at Tutipakha of Chandragiri Municipality-1in Kathmandu and Sisnekhola of Dhunibensi Municipality in Dhading.

The tunnel will have two main lanes, one side lane which will be used to part vehicles if they run out of order.

Of the total 5,499 meters of tunnels to be dug under the project, 2,598 meters of tunnels are yet to be dug. A cross passage connecting the main tunnel and the escape tunnel has been constructed at every 300 meters of the tunnel. Up to seven cross passages will be constructed at every 300 meters inside the tunnel, informed the project on Thursday.

The national pride project should be completed by the first week of April 2023 however, the deadline is extended by 86 days due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The project said that it has completed the construction of all four box culvert, one overpass and three bridge while two of the three underpasses are completed. the

Japanese company Hazama Ando Corporation is constructing the tunnel. The company accept the contract with a plan to complete the 2.69-km long double-lane road tunnel within 42 months from the project commencement date.

 In 2016, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had agreed to provide Rs. 17 billion loan to Nepal with 0.01 per cent interest for 40 years for the project. The government will bear Rs. 6.3 billion for land acquisition and other administrative work. 

 The detail design of the project was completed in April 2018. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 June 2022. 

NTB to operate paid shuttle bus service on election day

 Kathmandu, May 10

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is operating shuttle bus service for the tourists on the election day on 13 May, with the help of Tourist Police and Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA) and Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN).

Considering the inconvenience of air transport between the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and hotels in Kathmandu on the day of local level election which is going to be held across the country on Friday, the NTB ha arranged a paid shuttle bus service, it said in a statement.

Tourists have to pay Rs. 300 to get the service. The facility is available for three routes. The first route is airport-NAC New Road Gate - Hotel Annapurna - Hotel Yak and Yeti - Thamel Chowk - Lainchaur Chowk - Shankar Hotel - Ambassador Hotel - Airport.

Likewise, second route moves from the airport via Hotel Radisson - Sangrila Hotel - Narayan Gopal Chowk - Maharajganj Chowk - Hyatt Regency - Chabahil Chowk - Hotel Dwarika to airport.

The third route moves from the airport along Tinkune Chowk - Hotel Everest - Maitighar Chowk - Hotel Himalayan - Hotel Soaltee - Grand Hotel and ends at the airport.

The government has shut down the domestic flight operations on the election day while international flights will be operated at the TIA. This service is expected to facilitate the international tourists and Nepali people arriving at the TIA and flying out of the country on that day. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 May 2022.