KATHMANDU: During a meeting of the Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee, Saroj Sitaula, President of the Federation of Nepalese Transport Entrepreneurs, accused the state of severe negligence toward the transport sector.

He highlighted that the word “Transport” has been omitted from the ministry’s official board, drivers lack basic highway rest stations despite heavy private investment, and discriminatory policies favor cross-border Indian vehicles over Nepali ones.

He also blamed impractical licensing policies for the acute driver shortage and called for a transition into a tech-friendly, cashless transport system.

Meanwhile, during the same meeting, MP Basana Thapa refused to speak until Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal was present, insisting her crucial concerns must be heard directly by the minister.

Following her stance, Committee Chairman Ashish Gajurel assured her that he would call the minister to the meeting while other discussions proceeded.