Saroj Sitaula
Kathmandu Saroj Sitaula, president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, said that an impartial investigation should be carried out on the decision to change the seat capacity of electric microbus, distribution of route permit and operation of night service.
Writing on social media Facebook about the electric micro accident that took place in Bhimphedi of Makwanpur on Thursday, he said this. So far 14 people have died in the accident.
On what basis was the electric microbus, which was initially approved as a 9-seater capacity, converted into an 11-seater capacity? Sitaula has questioned the concerned government bodies. He has mentioned in the notice that there are serious questions in determining the number of seats of electric microbus, technical standards and route permit distribution process.
He has demanded to make public the technical basis, legal process and criteria adopted while converting 9-seater vehicles into 11 seats. He said that it should be clear whether the number of seats was changed keeping in mind the safety of the passengers or the decision was taken due to some other interest and pressure.
He alleged that the Department of Transport Management, the provincial government and the transport offices have repeatedly drawn attention to this issue but no action has been taken.
He said that the concerned authorities have not shown seriousness on the issue that is directly related to the lives of the citizens. He also said that if the existing legal provisions and standards allow the operation of night service, route permit of microbus and technical capacity beyond the prescribed limits, then the concerned officials should take responsibility for it.
Sitaula has demanded to make public the technical and legal basis of the decision to change the 9-seater capacity to 11 seats, and an impartial investigation into the decision regarding the distribution of route permits and operation of night service. He demanded action against the officials who took the decision and implemented the permits if they were found to have been issued permits against the law. He also said that the technical condition, passenger capacity, battery, brake system and overall safety standards of the electric microbus should be tested and reviewed immediately.
Chair Sitaula stressed on identifying the possible risks before the accident occurs rather than raising the issue of rescue, treatment and compensation only after the accident.
“The development of the transport sector is not only to increase the number of vehicles but also to make the lives of passengers safer. The life of the citizen is more important than the revenue and the safety of the passengers is more important than the permit,” Sitaula said in the note.
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