Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed a ban on night bus operations during the monsoon season. This proposal comes in the wake of a tragic landslide on the Narayangadh-Muglin road earlier today, where two buses plunged into the Trishuli River with passengers on board.
Dr. Bhishma Kumar Bhusal, Joint Secretary and head of the Disaster and Conflict Management Division at the Ministry, will lead discussions with representatives of the transport industry regarding the proposed ban. Citing the increased risks associated with nighttime travel during the monsoon season, Dr. Bhusal emphasized the need for a safety-focused approach.
This proposal follows a similar measure implemented earlier by the Makwanpur police administration, which temporarily halted night buses traveling to Kathmandu via the Tribhuvan Highway due to safety concerns.
However, the proposal has been met with resistance from the transportation sector. Saroj Sitaula, senior vice-president of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Professionals, argues that a focus on improving road safety measures would be more effective than a night bus ban. He further questioned the potential economic impact on the industry and suggested a more nuanced approach, potentially involving closures on specific high-risk routes.
The Ministry of Home Affairs convened an emergency meeting following the Chitwan accident. Participants discussed the details of the incident and ultimately favored a ban on night bus operations during the monsoon season. The upcoming discussions with transport professionals will determine the feasibility and implementation of this proposal.
