Electric Rickshaw Drivers’ Union Submits 6-Point Demand in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi: The Electric Rickshaw Drivers’ Union, Dhangadhi-Kailali, on Thursday submitted a six-point memorandum to the Chief District Officer through the District Administration Office, Kailali, seeking immediate solutions to issues affecting the operation of electric rickshaws.

According to the union, electric rickshaws have been operating in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City since 2071 BS. However, despite repeated appeals to the provincial government, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development, the District Administration Office, the Traffic Police Office, and Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, their concerns have not been effectively addressed.

The union stated that the number of electric rickshaws and tempos in the Dhangadhi area has recently increased in an uncontrolled manner. It also claimed that vehicles registered in other municipalities are operating in Dhangadhi, despite provisions requiring registration based on recommendations from the local level under provincial law. This, the union said, has directly affected the income of local drivers, created challenges in traffic management, and increased the risk of accidents.

The union has called on the concerned authorities to ensure effective implementation of laws in line with the Constitution, the Local Government Operation Act, and the Far Western Province Vehicle and Transport Management Regulations. It has also demanded regular safety inspections of public vehicles, mandatory use of identity cards and prescribed attire by drivers, display of fare lists in each electric rickshaw, and the formation of a joint monitoring team in coordination with the District Administration Office for regular oversight.

The memorandum further warns that if their demands are not addressed in a timely manner, electric rickshaw drivers in the Dhangadhi area will be compelled to launch a phased protest.