By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, July 7: All types of vehicles have now come into operation in the Kathmandu Valley from Tuesday after the odd-even number plate system was lifted.
That relaxation will remain in place for 10 days.
With the permission from the local administration from the concerned district, vehicles plying along long and medium routes can now enter the Valley with the passes issued by the local administration from Tuesday, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Kali Prasad Parajuli said.
The effect of the relaxation was immediately visible. The pressure of vehicles in the Valley’s roads shot up drastically, increasing traffic congestions in many places. “As soon as the ban was lifted, traffic jams have become common sights in the main intersections,” said traffic police spokesperson Sanjya Sharma Das.
Two days ago, a joint meeting of the chief district officers of the Valley’s three districts -- Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur -- had decided to allow all types of vehicles to operate. According to CDO Parajuli, vehicles plying within the Valley should not carry passengers exceeding their seat capacity, all health safety protocols should be followed and drivers and co-drivers should use visors and gloves.
In addition to that, sanitizer should be kept on the door of the vehicles, which should be disinfected every day. There is also a rule that passengers without masks are not allowed to get in.
Safa three wheelers and the blue microbus have been asked to carry only nine passengers. A plastic barrier should be installed in the vehicles to separate the passengers seated facing each other.
Vehicles carrying construction materials for public and private purposes will have to operate from 9 pm to 5 am.