Government directs strict enforcement of 45% student fare discount in public transport

Kathmandu-The government has instructed that the 45 percent fare discount provided to students in public transportation must be strictly implemented.

The Department of Transport Management under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has issued a notice to transport entrepreneurs, urging full compliance with the provision. According to the department, the 45 percent concession for students has been in place as per an agreement reached between the government and transport entrepreneurs on February 20, 2008 (2065 Falgun 20 in the Nepali calendar).

However, in recent times, complaints have been increasing that public transport operators are not providing the mandated discount. A large number of grievances have been received through the “Hello Government” hotline and the department’s complaint mechanism, prompting the authority to issue a renewed directive.

In a letter issued by Director Ganeshman Singh Rai, the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, the Public Transport Central Federation, and Sajha Yatayat have been instructed to ensure effective implementation of the student concession facility.

The department has also warned that vehicles failing to comply with the government-mandated discount will face legal action.