Nationwide Indefinite Transport Strike from Monday Announced by Transport Entrepreneurs

On Tuesday, eight major transport entrepreneurs' associations jointly announced a nationwide indefinite transport strike starting from Jestha 19 (June 2, 2025). Speaking at a press conference held in Kathmandu, the associations expressed solidarity with the protest organized by the Public Transport Protection Central Struggle Committee.

Citing unresolved issues in the transport sector, the associations—including the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, Nepal Truck Transport Federation, Transport Workers' Organization, and others—unveiled a series of protest programs. Their 7-point demand includes immediate revocation of regulations like the one issued by Gandaki Province allowing private red-plate vehicles for public use, claiming it violates the existing Vehicle and Transportation Act 2049 and contradicts federal law.

The protestors also demanded the implementation of previous agreements and recommendations made by government task forces, enforcement of social security contributions for public transport workers, and strict application of vehicle load regulations. Additionally, they opposed the unequal treatment of foreign vehicles at Nepal’s customs points, which currently grants them a 72-hour free pass, and demanded equal treatment.

If their demands are not met, the transport entrepreneurs plan to submit memorandums to all seven provincial Chief Ministers on Jestha 14 and begin an indefinite strike from Jestha 19, parking all public vehicles in garages.

Bikash Kumar Swar, coordinator of the central struggle committee, and Saroj Sitoula, senior vice-president of the National Transport Entrepreneurs Federation, both stated that the government has repeatedly ignored the concerns of the sector despite more than a decade of dialogues and agreements.