Government Implements New Fare Rates; Public Transport Up By 16.71%, Freight Charges Also Increased

The government has decided to raise fares for public transport and freight vehicles. The Department of Transport Management is in the process of implementing the revised fare structure after receiving in principle approval from the ministry.

According to Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, public transport fares have gone up by 16.71 percent. Likewise, freight charges have increased by 21.68 percent for vehicles operating in hilly regions and 15.75 percent for those running in the Terai region.

The department of transportation management stated that the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has already provided preliminary consent for the adjustment. A detailed breakdown of the updated fare rates is expected to be published soon on the department’s official website.

Transport operators had long been demanding fare adjustments, pointing to rising international fuel prices and other operational costs. With the new rates set to take effect, experts believe there could be a rise in daily commuting expenses as well as the prices of goods.