KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Mahabir Pun has said that the government is preparing to allow old petrol and diesel vehicles in Nepal to be converted into electric vehicles.
According to him, engineers and technicians have been trying to do this for many years, but the work could not move forward because the legal process did not permit such conversions. He said the ministry is now working to remove those legal barriers.
Minister Pun clarified that Nepal already has the technical capacity to convert old vehicles into electric ones. He added that the government will now draft clear rules and move ahead with the plan.
Writing on social media, Pun said, “Earlier, greedy people used different laws and rules as excuses and never allowed anyone to do such work. Now, the Ministry of Transport will make arrangements to give permission for it.”
He expressed confidence that converting old vehicles into electric ones will promote environmentally friendly transportation and help reduce fuel expenses.
Share Your Thoughts
- What impact could this policy have on local workshops, engineers and technicians in Nepal?
- Do you agree with Minister Pun’s claim about previous legal barriers and obstruction? Why or why not?
- How should the Ministry of Transport structure safety and inspection rules for converted EVs?
- What incentives or support would make conversions feasible and affordable for ordinary vehicle owners?
- What lessons should policymakers take from Nepal’s broader EV adoption trends when drafting these rules?