Commuters hard-hit by public transport shutdown

KATHMANDU, Aug 10: The National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (NFNTE) enforced an indefinite nationwide public transport shutdown starting Friday, severely affecting the movement of people across the country.



The NFNTE has called  the strike putting forth various demands, including formation of a separate transport ministry, annulment of hiked minimum fine on transport vehicles, recognition of the transport sector as industry, and annulment of the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division´s decision to distribute 15 per cent of revenues collected in fine from traffic rules violators among the traffic police. [break]



Public vehicles like micro-vans, tempos, buses have stayed off the road due to the strike. However, private vehicles and vehicles owned by the private schools and colleges are plying on the road. Commuters including school, college goers and government officials have been hit hard due to the strike.



A marathon talks held between transport entrepreneurs and government on Thursday had failed to forge agreement on the issue. However, both the sides have decided to hold another meeting this afternoon.Earlier, the transport entrepreneurs had warned of launching nationwide general strike if their demands were not addressed.

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