Five Ride-Sharing Firms Apply for Registration in Gandaki

Ride-sharing companies have begun registering in Gandaki Province following the introduction of Nepal's first regulatory framework for ride-sharing and self-drive services. According to the Transport Management Office in Kaski, five companies—Sajilo Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Sawari Sewa Nepal, Ecomo Nepal, Gems Green Electro Mobility Service, and Move in Nepal Pvt. Ltd.—have submitted applications, with Sawari Sewa Nepal becoming the first to receive a registration certificate for operating 20 scooters. The provincial government has directed all ride-sharing operators to register by Shrawan 15, warning that companies operating without registration will face a Rs. 100,000 fine for the first offense, with penalties doubling for repeat violations. Riders will also be fined Rs. 5,000 for two-wheelers and Rs. 10,000 for four-wheelers if found operating illegally after the deadline. Under the new regulations, companies must register at least 20 vehicles to obtain a license, while registration fees have been fixed at Rs. 25,000 for two-wheeler services, Rs. 50,000 for four-wheelers, and Rs. 70,000 for operators providing both services. The rules also require mandatory passenger, driver, and third-party insurance, daily driving limits of 12 hours, helmet use for two-wheeler passengers, and storage of operational data on servers located in Nepal. Authorities said licenses will be issued only after technical inspections of company systems and applications, while a joint team of the Transport Management Office, Traffic Police, and Nepal Police will regularly monitor compliance on the roads.