Kathmandu. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has suspended the registration process of new public vehicles across the country for the time being.

The department has written to the ministries of physical infrastructure and transport of all seven provinces and local levels across the country asking them to stop the registration until further notice.

According to the Department, the decision was taken citing the lack of scientific management of public transport, excessive increase in air pollution, traffic congestion and traffic jam.

The Department has taken this decision in accordance with the provision of sub-section (3) of Section 24 of the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, 1992. The Act empowers the Department to suspend registration of any vehicle in public interest considering the environmental pollution, traffic congestion and road conditions.