Government Misses 100-Day Target to Install CCTV in Public Transport, Regulate Ride-Sharing Safety
असार २२, २०८३ १३:५०
Kathmandu. The government has fallen short of its 100-day commitment to strengthen passenger safety by installing CCTV cameras and dashcams in public transport vehicles and introducing mandatory SOS features in ride-sharing platforms.
The commitment was included in the 100-point Administrative Reform Action Plan approved during the first Cabinet meeting after the formation of the new government. Under Point No. 98 of the plan, the government pledged to complete the installation of security technologies in public transport within 30 days and require ride-sharing platforms to integrate SOS buttons for emergency reporting to police.
However, the progress report released by the government on Saturday shows that the targets remain largely unmet even after the completion of its 100-day review period.
According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, CCTV systems have so far been installed in only 160 public buses—111 buses operated by Sajha Yatayat, 46 buses by Mahanagar Yatayat, and three buses by Panch Pokhari Sunalo Yatayat.
The figures represent only a small fraction of Nepal's public transport fleet, which is estimated to exceed 200,000 vehicles. The report states that the broader installation of CCTV cameras and dashcams remains in the implementation phase.
To support the initiative, the government approved the Standards for Making Vehicles Safe, Decent, Technologically Equipped, and Accessible, 2083 on June 30. However, implementation has yet to gather significant momentum.
Progress has been relatively faster in the ride-sharing sector. Major platforms, including Pathao, Yango, InDrive, and Sajilo Rider, now offer SOS features as part of their in-app safety measures.
Despite this, the proposed Digital Mobility Service Operating Standards, 2082, which aims to establish a legal framework for ride-sharing services, has yet to be finalized and remains in the public feedback stage on the ministry's website.
The action plan designates the Director General of the Department of Transport Management as the responsible official for implementing the initiative. Traffic police have been tasked with monitoring compliance and have been conducting inspections to verify whether public transport vehicles are equipped with CCTV cameras and whether ride-sharing platforms have integrated SOS functions.
Although the government has taken initial steps toward improving passenger safety through technology, the latest progress report indicates that most of the promised measures remain far from full implementation.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: असार २२, २०८३ १३:५१
