KATHMANDU, JANUARY 29

The District Administration Offices in Kathmandu valley have lifted the odd-even vehicle rationing system enforced on public vehicles effective from today.

A meeting of the three District Administration Offices – Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur – decided to remove the odd-even rule from today onwards.

The decision comes after widespread criticism that public vehicle rationing didn't help to curb the spread of COVID-19 but instead became a hotspot for the spread of the virus.

Since, no government or private offices were closed but only public vehicles were cut to half the capacity, such vehicles were overcrowded.

This had made public vehicles a hotspot inside Kathmandu valley. It should also be noted that public transport entrepreneurs and stakeholders had been demanding that the odd-even rationing system be scrapped.

With the new rule coming into effect, all public vehicles - mini buses, micro buses, three wheelers, Sajha Yayatat and long route vehicles operating from the valley can now operate without any restrictions.

However, this odd-even vehicle rationing scheme shall continue for private vehicles, including two-wheelers and taxis. Private vehicles ferrying daily essentials and medicines shall operate without any hassles.

Earlier, on January 21, the government had re-introduced the odd-even number plate rule for vehicles to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Authorities, however, have continued the prohibitory order for mass gathering of people in public places, conducting mass protest, rallies and other functions. Similarly, entertainment sectors like cinema halls, party palaces, various kinds of bars and dance restaurants, swimming pools and gymnasiums shall continue to remain shut. Libraries, museums, zoos and gaming events with spectators too shall not be allowed to operate.

No more than 15 persons are allowed to gather in religious ceremonies and marriages or other religious functions. Such functions are only allowed in private houses not in party palaces.

Prohibition shall continue in the education sector where all kinds of educational institutions - schools and colleges are still required to operate distance learning. No physical presence of students are allowed for teaching-learning purposes.

Schools and colleges, however, can call their students for vaccination programme.

The government has started inoculating students from 12 to 18 years of age in a bid to allow schools and colleges to resume physical classes.

The COVID-19 Crisis Management and Coordination Centre has recommended barring physical classes till mid-February.

The lifting of the odd-even vehicle rationing system was also made as per the suggestion of the CCMC.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 30, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.