The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs has issued a stern warning to all transport operators: do not charge more than the government-approved fare during the Dashain festival. Officials confirmed that any vehicle found violating these fare regulations will face strict action.
Advance ticket bookings for passenger vehicles across Nepal officially opened today, October 9. This decision follows high-level coordination between the Department of Transport Management, transport unions, and security agencies to ensure safe and organized travel for the millions expected to leave the Kathmandu Valley.
In a related development, the Department of Transport Management has updated public transport fares. The last fare adjustment was made on 18 Asar 2083. With advance bookings now open for Dashain, the department has released the updated fare list. However, for electric vehicles (EVs), the fares remain as set in 2081.
The government has adjusted fares twice this year, with a significant increase on 12 Baisakh. Following a drop in fuel prices, fares were decreased by 2% on 18 Asar, and these rates have now been made public by the department.
According to the department, there have been revisions in the per kilometer fares for passenger and freight vehicles operating in the Terai and hilly regions. For long-distance routes (over 250 km) on paved and gravel roads in the Terai, the fare is set at NPR 2.93 per kilometer per person, while for distances between 25 to 250 km, it is NPR 3.00. For the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Pokhara-Narayangadh sections, the fare is NPR 3.24 per kilometer.
Vehicles certified for deluxe services can charge 20% more than the standard fare, and those with super deluxe services can add another 20% over the deluxe fare.
Freight vehicle fares have also been adjusted, with rates set at NPR 7.72 per kilometer per ton in the Terai and NPR 14.77 in the hilly regions, based on a 10-ton capacity. Specific truck fares have been determined for routes such as Birgunj-Kathmandu (NPR 31,446) and Bhairahawa-Kathmandu (NPR 32,141).
Key measures for the festive period include:
- Booking Counter Standards: Staff must wear official uniforms and identification cards while maintaining polite conduct with passengers.
- Road Restrictions: Heavy vehicles, including trailers, are banned from the Narayangadh-Kathmandu road section from October 11 to October 25, excluding those carrying essential goods like medicine and food.
- Route Permits: Medium and long-route permits for passenger vehicles are open nationwide from October 11 through November 6.
- Vehicle Safety: Free fitness testing for public vehicles will be provided at the Gongabu Bus Park.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
