Department of Transport Management Welcomes 600,000 Smart License Cards

In a significant development for Nepal’s transport sector, the Department of Transport Management has officially confirmed the arrival of the first batch of 600,000 smart license cards on January 6. This marks the initiation of the first phase of a strategic agreement with a German company, aiming to deliver a total of 1,200,000 smart license cards to Nepal.

The spokesperson for the department, Ishworidatta Paneru, revealed that the remaining 600,000 smart license cards are expected to reach Nepal within the next 45 days. An agreement with the German company had been previously established to address the department’s challenges in smart license distribution.

The smart license cards are part of a modernization effort to streamline the licensing process and enhance efficiency. Following the issuance of the delivery order by the Nepal Rastra Bank, the cards will undergo thorough laboratory testing to ensure quality and security standards are met.

Paneru emphasized, “The printing of the licenses will commence as soon as the department receives the cards.” This is a crucial step in overcoming challenges faced since July 2022, where a shortage of cards for printing hindered the distribution of smart licenses.

The department has been grappling with constraints as its current printer has the capacity to produce only four to five thousand cards daily, provided it operates continuously for 16 hours. With approximately 5,000 customers submitting applications for smart licenses each day, the awaited distribution is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of driving licenses across Nepal.

As the country eagerly awaits the full implementation of the smart license system, the Department of Transport Management remains optimistic that this technological leap will not only streamline processes but also contribute to safer and more organized roadways.