Current status
The online application for new driving licences has been suspended since the Department of Transport Management was set on fire on September 9 during the Gen Z protests. Kathmandu Post
The department estimates that about 18,000 of 22,000 printed licences were destroyed, with only 3,000 recovered intact. Kathmandu Post
The department estimates that 18,000 out of 22,000 printed licenses were burnt due to arson. Out of this, only 3 thousand licenses have been found safe. Ekantipur
System damage, costs and timeline
“The department’s data centre was also destroyed in the fire. Restarting the system will require Rs40-50 million,” Director Keshav Khatiwada said. “Even after completing all procedures, it will take four to five months to fully operate the system.” Kathmandu Post
Khatiwada said that he is preparing to run the system to regularize the license application. “We are preparing to run the system by asking for necessary devices from various ministries and offices. The data center of the department was also destroyed by fire. We need to call for the purchase of four to five crores to run it,” he said. Ekantipur
Services and scope
With the system offline, licence-related work at all 42 transport offices is currently halted. “If no technical issues arise, we plan to resume services after Tihar [October last week],” Khatiwada said. “As we seek cooperation from various offices to restart the system, the process may be slower. If necessary, applications will be scheduled by province.” Kathmandu Post
The license service provided by 42 transport management offices across the country has been stopped since August 23. Ekantipur
Burnt or lost licences, and number plates
Khatiwada said it remains unclear whether burnt or lost licences will be reprinted free of charge. “This is still under discussion, and no decision has been made,” he said. “Once the burnt or lost licences are verified and documented, the information will be sent to provincial offices for further decisions.” Kathmandu Post
According to the department’s current estimate, 619,000 embossed number plates were destroyed in the fire. By mid-July, production included 632,141 plates for two-wheelers, 164,191 for four-wheelers, 14,582 for heavy vehicles, and 8,145 for three-wheelers. Kathmandu Post
According to the department, 8 lakh 19 thousand 59 embossed number plates were prepared till last July. Out of that, only about two lakhs were sent to the respective provinces and offices under it. The remaining number plate is in the department and was destroyed by fire while it was being prepared to be sent. Now, according to the department’s estimate, 6,19,000 number plates have been burned and destroyed. Ekantipur
Preparations and next steps
“The first task is to get the system running to open applications for licences,” Director General Rajiv Pokharel said. “The embossed number plates suffered even greater damage; the prepared plates were destroyed. We are discussing this with suppliers, but no decisions have been made yet.” Kathmandu Post
Khatiwada said preparations are underway to resume licence applications. “We are requesting necessary devices and equipment from various ministries and offices. The procurement process for the new system is ongoing, but we are starting it now to provide services.” Kathmandu Post
Khatiwada said that there is also a question whether to print the license for free after paying for the burnt or lost license. “This is in the process of discussion, nothing has been decided,” he said. Ekantipur
Images
Source: Kathmandu Post
Source: Ekantipur
Share Your Thoughts
- What impact could this suspension and the damage have on daily commuters and those travelling abroad?
- Do you agree with the department’s plan to resume services after Tihar, given the estimated repair timeline and costs?
- How should provincial transport offices and policymakers prioritise limited printing and distribution capacity?
- What steps should be taken to verify and replace burnt or lost licences fairly and transparently?
Sources: Kathmandu Post, Ekantipur