FNCCI seeks govt intervention for smooth cargo movement

KATHMANDU:

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has demanded that the government create a conducive environment for smooth movement of cargo carriers, putting an end to any kind of syndicate system in the transport sector.

The umbrella organisation of private sector today made such a demand amid media reports of truckers imposing syndicate in some trade routes and increasing cargo fares unilaterally. Calling on cargo transporters to resolve their genuine problems with due process of dialogue with the concerned government body, FNCCI has requested truckers to make movement of vehicles smooth.

There are reports of truck and tanker entrepreneurs increasing cargo transportation fare for Bhairahawa-Kathmandu, Pokhara-Bhairahawa, Birgunj-Kathmandu and Kathmandu-Tatopani routes by limiting movement of trucks and tankers.

“FNCCI believes that the market itself should determine the fare through open competition,” states a press release issued by FNCCI. It has said that transport service plays a vital role in determining the competitiveness of products.

As per the government fixed rate two years ago, truckers are not allowed to charge more than Rs 20,238 per trip on Bhairahawa-Kathmandu and Rs 19,847 on Birgunj-Kathmandu routes.

“Since truckers for long are finding it hard to get the fare as set by the government, some truckers might have imposed syndicate,” said a high-level official at the Department of Transport Management. However, the official said that they had not received any complaints regarding the issue as of office hours today.

Source: THT