Nepal transport fares up by 25 per cent

Kathmandu, Jun 20: The Ministry of Labor and Transport Management of Nepal has authorised the transport entrepreneurs to raise their fare by 25 percent. According to Nepalnews, the transporters had demanded the increase after the hike in price of fuel by around 21 percent. In the face of growing opposition by the students against the fare hike, the Ministry has also decided to provide 43 percent discount in travel fares for students and those injured in People's Movement.

Earlier, the students used to enjoy 33 percent discount. Shyam Prasad Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry, warned that the government will take strong action against those found charging fares in excess of its permitted level. he ministry's decision is widely different from that recommended by a technical committee headed by the director general of the Department of Transport. The committee had recommended fare increases of 25 to 35 percent for different routes and distances.

ANI