BANKE, March 28: The company which was awarded the parking contract of the Nepalgunj Airport has put pressure to increase the parking fee for three-wheeled vehicles. Sarthak Trade Center and Suppliers said that since the government has increased the annual tax on them, they have started increasing the parking charges on three-wheelers accordingly.

Previously, the company levied a monthly parking fee of Rs 2,000 for e-rickshaws. However, effective this month, Sarthak Trade Center and Suppliers have announced an increase to Rs 2,200 per month, raising the parking fee by Rs 200 per e-rickshaws.

E-rickshaw drivers expressed concerns over the fee hike, particularly amidst a recent downturn in business, making it difficult for them to afford the increased charges. Ramesh Yadav, an auto-rickshaw driver, emphasized the challenge of meeting higher parking fees amidst declining incomes.

Currently, there are 16 registered e-rickshaws under the company's parking scheme, collectively paying Rs 32,000 per month in parking fees. 

Additionally, 16 petrol-driven rickshaws pay a lump sum of Rs 50,000 monthly. The company clarified that the fee revision only applies to auto-rickshaws, citing the need to increase rickshaw numbers or adjust fees accordingly. An agreement has been reached between Sarthak Trade Center and Suppliers and auto-rickshaw drivers, who have taken over the parking, that no other than 32 rickshaws can be parked.