KATHMANDU, Sept 11:  The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has initiated a study of a draft proposal for new standards for taxis prepared by the Department of Transport Management.

The ministry has formed a committee led by Engineer Krishna Raj Panth, head of the Infrastructure Construction and Transport Division, to review the draft. The committee includes Saresh Thapa, senior division engineer from the ministry’s transport management branch, and Resham Raj Sigdel, head of the Law Enforcement Branch.

The draft, prepared 15 months ago, proposes the categorization of taxis into ordinary, deluxe, and luxury classes based on vehicle size, mechanical capacity, and available features. It outlines safety requirements such as a minimum of two airbags, high-speed alert technology, central locking systems, seat belt reminders for both driver and passenger seats, and rear parking sensors.

According to officials, since the study has just begun, it is unclear when the new standards will be implemented.