Transport entrepreneurs have asked the government to provide customs duty concessions on parts imported for electric vehicles, arguing that lower import costs could help accelerate the shift toward cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation.

The Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, led by its chair Punya Prasad (Saroj) Sitaula, submitted an 11-point memorandum to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on Monday, seeking immediate measures to address challenges facing the transport sector.

The federation said the transport sector represents around Rs 13 billion in investment and supports the livelihoods of nearly four million families. Alongside EV-related concessions, it called for implementation of recommendations from the probe commission led by former government secretary Dipak Subedi and timely revision of the Motor Insurance Rate Directive 2073.

The entrepreneurs also proposed creating an ‘Accident Relief Fund’ by charging an additional Rs 1 per litre on petrol and diesel and Rs 1 per unit on electric vehicle usage. They suggested supplementing the fund with 1% of insurance premiums and additional government contributions.

Other demands include stricter regulation of vehicle imports, removal of the 72-hour facility provided to Indian freight and passenger vehicles, amendments to the Company Act and a uniform tax system for the transport sector.

Finance Minister Wagle suggested establishing a stronger transport authority to improve regulation and development of the sector and also raised the need to review the operating hours of tippers in the Kathmandu Valley.

Receiving the memorandum, Wagle said the Finance Ministry would study the transport entrepreneurs’ demands and take appropriate action based on the findings.