Gandaki Province, June 1 - The halt of public transportation in the province over the last three days has resulted in significant inconvenience for commuters, especially those belonging to working-class backgrounds.
Transport operators halted services on Friday, demanding the repeal of the provincial government's new regulations on ride-sharing and self-driving rentals. The shutdown has left both rural and urban routes-including the Prithvi Highway-without public vehicles, disrupting daily life.
Khem Bahadur Gurung from Mirlung in Bhanu Municipality mentioned that since he traveled to Damauli for medical care, he hasn’t been able to go back to his village because of the transportation strike.
“I arrived here seeking medical care with plans to return to transplant rice seedlings, yet there’s not a single transport available. It remains uncertain as to when I will have the opportunity to head back,” he mentioned whilst awaiting his turn at Bhorletar Chowk in Damauli.
Harimaya Thapa Magar from Rushing Rural Municipality-1 stated that since she sells fruits close to the highway in Damauli, the shutdown has resulted in zero income for her.
“I make a living by selling produce to travelers. However, over the past three days, I haven’t made any sales. The perishable goods I bought on credit are starting to spoil,” she explained. “Should everything go bad, I will not only lose my capital but also struggle to settle debts with suppliers and cover everyday costs.”
Local inhabitants stated that although transportation business owners have the right to advocate for themselves, they shouldn’t violate the rights of others. "The authorities need to address this problem at once," remarked Basanta Thapa from Byas Municipality-2. "This situation can't continue indefinitely."
In the lack of transportation, both the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been assisting stranded passengers by using tourist buses as escorts.
Inspector Raju Adhikari from the District Police Office in Tanahun stated that combined police units have been escorting buses traveling from Pokhara to Kotre at the district boundary and subsequently onwards to Muglin through the Mankamana Battalion located in Tanahun.
The Gandaki Provincial Public Transport Protection Strike Committee initiated a transportation strike beginning on May 30.
Spokesperson Yogendra KC mentioned that the government’s latest policy would push out conventional transportation providers, compelling them to protest publicly.
He charged the local administration with making haphazard choices devoid of adequate discussion.
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