KATHMANDU: Under a special “checking” campaign launched by traffic police to control increasing traffic congestion, disorderly vehicle operation, and rule violations in the Kathmandu Valley, 175 drivers involved in ride-sharing services have faced consequences.

The Valley Traffic Police Office stated that action was taken after monitoring in various busy areas of the valley revealed those drivers were operating vehicles contrary to existing laws.

Spokesperson for the Valley Traffic Police Office and Superintendent of Police (SP) Naresh Raj Subedi said the special checking campaign was launched targeting the situation, as the use of ride-sharing services has rapidly increased in the valley in recent times, and along with it, the tendency to operate services without authorization, transport passengers without meeting standards, and disregard traffic rules has also grown.

“We have conducted a special checking campaign at various locations in the valley,” he said. “In the campaign, 175 ride-sharing drivers have faced action.” According to him, most of the drivers facing action were operating services offline without permission from the online platform.

Spokesperson Subedi also said that activities such as picking up and dropping off passengers at random places, poor technical condition of vehicles, lack of necessary documents, and violation of traffic rules were also found.

Senior Superintendent of Police and Valley Traffic Police Office Chief Nawaraj Adhikari said that it is mandatory to obtain permission from the relevant authority to operate ride-sharing services, maintain vehicles regularly, have drivers carry necessary documents, and comply with prescribed rules. “Action proceedings were initiated after finding that many drivers were ignoring these basic standards,” he said.

The Valley Traffic Police Chief stated that strictness has been applied because stopping haphazardly in busy intersections, hospital areas, school vicinities, and main roads to transport passengers causes traffic obstruction and also increases the risk of accidents.

He made it clear that such monitoring campaigns will be made even more effective in the coming days, and anyone violating rules will face action. He also urged the general public to use only safe and legally operated services.

Traffic police have stated their goal of continuing this campaign to make traffic management more orderly, safe, and technology-friendly. Ride-sharing companies have also been urged to strictly monitor their drivers and ensure compliance with rules. The campaign is expected to contribute significantly to maintaining traffic discipline in the valley and strengthening passenger safety.