DHANGADHI:Transport entrepreneurs in Sudurpaschim Province have launched a protest movement.

Opposing a recently introduced law by the Gandaki Province government, the transport operators have halted long-distance vehicles from Sunday onward. Furthermore, the entrepreneurs have announced a complete halt to public transport services starting Monday, i.e., 19th of Jestha (June 2).

The protest erupted after the Gandaki Province passed a law allowing private two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles with red number plates to carry passengers — a move that has sparked outrage among transport operators nationwide.

Tekraj Joshi, coordinator of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation Sudurpaschim Provincial Committee, stated that the protesting entrepreneurs would display black armbands and black flags on their vehicles today.

Joshi emphasized their opposition to allowing private vehicles to operate like public transport. He also questioned what concrete policies the provincial government has regarding the operation, regulation, and import of public vehicles.