Gandaki Province Legalizes Ride-Sharing Services

The Gandaki Province government has formally legalized ride-sharing services, allowing private two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles to operate commercially under a regulated framework.

The move follows the provincial cabinet’s approval of the Vehicle and Transportation Management Regulation–2080 BS, paving the way for private vehicles to legally offer ride-sharing services, provided they fulfill regulatory requirements — including mandatory passenger insurance.

Prakash Bahadur KC, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, confirmed that the Council of Ministers had endorsed the regulation during its meeting last Tuesday. “With the enactment of this regulation, ridesharing has now been granted official recognition in the province,” he stated.

The regulation is expected to come into effect shortly and is the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders. “This initiative ensures not only legalization but also the regulation of ridesharing to safeguard both passengers and service providers,” Minister KC added.

The decision aligns with a prior Supreme Court ruling that allowed ridesharing to operate within a legal framework, emphasizing the protection of consumer rights and addressing labor and employment concerns.

Minister KC highlighted that transportation management falls under the purview of provincial governments, giving Gandaki the authority to introduce this legal framework independently.

Ride-sharing platforms such as InDrive, Sajilo, Taximandu, and Pathao are currently active across Nepal. The formal legalization in Gandaki is seen as a significant step toward modernizing urban mobility and offering flexible transport alternatives to the public.