The government must, however, keep in mind that the problem faced by Nepalis in the highways is not just limited to the quality of food. There face a host of other problems among which the issue of food price is a prime one. During the survey that the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control conducted along the Naubise to Mugling stretch along the Prithvi Highway, it has rightly noted that most hotels do not maintain a price list giving them the room to charge exorbitant rates that sometimes defy all logic. In our highways, the concept of consumer rights simply does not exist and owners and staff of the hotels and restaurants seem to always carry with them the “my-way-or-highway” attitude greatly inconveniencing passengers. This is something that has to be rectified by the government.
The other major issue is the denial to the people of their right to choose. Passenger vehicle staffs, who almost invariably receive kickbacks from the eateries, mostly park the buses or micro vans at isolated places where there is just one hotel or a restaurant compelling the people to either eat there or go hungry. This is preposterous. This practice is particularly unfair to those who travel in night buses and do not have the luxury to move around to explore another eatery as that could be dangerous. Our highways, as is common knowledge, have never really been free from thefts and other petty and serious crimes. Unhygienic toilets, too, is another major issue. While it is an issue for everyone, it is especially problematic for women and the government would do well to look into this matter too.
We hope that the government plan, like it often happens in the country, will not be restricted only on paper and gets seriously implemented. This is an issue that affects the life of hundreds and thousands of Nepalis. The people would welcome any small change that would make their traveling experience smoother.
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