A judicial committee led by former High Court judge Keshav Prasad Bastola has submitted a 15-point roadmap to reform traffic management after the self-immolation and death of ride-sharing rider Ganesh Nepali.
Tech-based, faceless enforcement
- The panel proposes technology-backed surveillance in busy areas to detect violations without direct contact between police and road users.
- Under a linked database of vehicles, licences and violations, motorists would automatically receive SMS messages detailing offences and fines owed.
Traffic court and fair penalties
- A dedicated traffic court or similar mechanism is recommended so drivers can file complaints or appeal penalties easily.
- The committee stresses that fines should not be the main goal of traffic control, but a consequence of breaking rules, to build trust in traffic authorities.
- Traffic and municipal police would get limited flexibility to consider the type of offence and a driver’s financial situation before setting penalties.
Better training, roads and data
- The report calls for respectful, transparent and professional behaviour from traffic and municipal police, backed by improved training.
- It seeks clear division of duties between traffic police and municipal police, plus an integrated database linking vehicle registration, driving licences and national ID cards.
- Other proposals include sharper road markings, organised parking, visible no-parking signs, modern traffic equipment and stronger driving licence processes with better initial training for new drivers.
Law changes and school awareness
- The panel recommends drafting a new Road Safety Act and updating the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049 to match current road conditions.
- It also urges traffic rule awareness campaigns and inclusion of traffic regulations and citizen responsibilities in school curricula.
Clear rules for ride-sharing services
- The committee calls for formal legal regulation of ride-sharing, including:
- Proper pickup and drop-off points and parking spaces
- Mandatory insurance for both drivers and passengers
- Driver registration and an emergency communication system
- Reasonable, uniform fare limits and digital payment options
The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration have instructed local governments to start applying these recommendations, signalling that significant changes to how Nepali motorists are fined, trained and insured could be on the way.
AN
Ajit Narayan Singh
Editor, Nepal AutoMart
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
