Mechi Highway transport operators in agitation over fare reduction

By Prem Adhikari,Pashupatinagar, May 28: Public transport operators have stopped their services along the Mechi Highway and declared an indefinite protest from Saturday against the reduction of fares.

The operators are in protest against the fares set by the Ilam District Administration Office (DAO).Some days ago, Ilam’s DAO had called stakeholders from Panchthar, Taplejung and Jhapa districts to reach an agreement and set a standard fare rate along the highway.

After the meeting, the authorities reduced the fares citing a reduction in the price of diesel. As per the new rate, the fare for Ilam-Birtamod travel has been set at Rs. 425, down from 500. 

Likewise, the new fare from Ilam to Phidim is Rs. 400 and Ilam-Taplejung Rs. 890 – down from Rs. 410 and Rs. 910 respectively. Despite that, the public transport operators were still charging more than the ones set by the authorities.

“In tandem with the rise or fall in the price of petroleum products, fare rates can be reduced or increased on the basis of 13 different categories. It is a scientific method forwarded by the Department of Transport Management,” said Shrawan Kumar Pokharel, Chief District Officer of Ilam.

However, some public transport operators along the highway have denounced the new rate and have stopped providing services until their demands are met. The protests have affected commuting along the Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam and Jhapa districts.

On the other hand, some transport operators argued that they will follow the new rate since it was based on the scientific method of fare adjustment opted by the authorities. “If the authorities provide proper security, we will operate our vehicles,” said Grishma Subba, chairman of Purbeli Jeep and Taxi Pvt. Ltd.