Balen Government Under Pressure Over Proposed Traffic Fine Increases: What’s Next?
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The proposed bill to impose significantly higher fines on traffic violations has placed the ruling party under pressure.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has sent the draft of the bill to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs for review.
Krishna Raj Pantha, head of the Infrastructure Construction and Transport Division, stated that the draft is still in its preliminary stage. “Much work remains before the law is finalized,” he said, “There are many provisions regarding fines and offenses; I can’t recall them all at the moment.”
Media reports revealing fines ranging from NPR 500 up to 100,000 for violations involving everyone from street hawkers to drivers have sparked public concern.
Government officials appear to be defensive on the matter, with representatives from the law and infrastructure ministries reluctant to comment extensively.
Ram Hari Pokharel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, noted, “I have also read the reports in the media. Upon inquiry with the respective division, I understand the draft was sent to the Ministry of Law for opinion. Beyond that, I don’t have additional information.”
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Firm Stance with Plans for Review
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The debate over increasing fines is not new; discussions and reviews have been ongoing for several years.
Retired Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Nepal Police, Bhim Prasad Dhakal, recalled, “During my tenure as Kathmandu Valley Traffic Chief, this discussion came up repeatedly. The existing fines are low, but the intention to increase amounts is aimed not at collecting revenue but enforcing regulations to reduce accidents.”
There has been public discussion about whether individuals inadvertently breaking traffic rules on old motorcycles might face unbearable fines leading to debt, asset sales, or even imprisonment for failure to pay.
Former AIG Dhakal suggests that if such large fines are proposed all at once as depicted in the media, a thorough review is necessary.
Although the bill is still undergoing various stages before final approval by Parliament, ruling party leaders claim the proposal was prepared after necessary consultations.
Ashish Gajurel, chairman of the Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee and a lawmaker, stated, “This proposal was developed following studies and discussions.”
“Due to low fines, there was an increase in violations, which weakened traffic management and road safety. This is the basis for proposing fine increases,” he said. “Experience from abroad demonstrates that imposing meaningful fines leads to better compliance.”
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Following the media release, many concerned citizens have called Gajurel expressing worries that fines are too high and that inadvertent violations might force individuals into debt to pay.
“I am receiving numerous suggestions as well,” said Gajurel, “We will work to avoid fostering a culture where people simply pay minor fines repeatedly without complying, or end up needing to borrow or liquidate assets to pay fines.”
Why Has the Need to Increase Fines Emerged?
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Ex-AIG Bhim Prasad Dhakal shared his experience supporting the argument for fine increases.
“We installed dummy traffic police figures at 51 locations and at the center of main roads indicating fines up to NPR 10,000 for violations,” he said. “Afterward, my records show a 50% reduction in traffic violations.”
While Dhakal does not fully endorse the proposed fine amounts, he emphasizes the need for strengthening traffic management mechanisms, infrastructure development, digitalization, and vehicle import policies.
In recent years, traffic police have been managing intersections with traffic lights as well — during which the number of vehicles has also increased.
“Because we are not focused on technology, the tendency to evade penalties has increased,” said Committee Chairman Gajurel. “This mindset is why strict rules are necessary.”
Is This a Punitive Step Against Citizens?
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On the morning of Asar 16 (Nepali calendar), before 6 am, within 24 hours, Kathmandu Valley traffic police reportedly fined approximately 1,600 vehicles, collecting over NPR 2 million in fines.
In one week, over NPR 10 million in fines has been collected, and the proposed legislation would have generated even more.
However, political commentator Mumarama Khanal criticized the government’s approach.
“Road conditions remain poor and traffic lights are few. Due to the state of public transport, citizens cannot avoid motorcycles to reach home on time,” Khanal said. “The government is penalizing citizens by only focusing on increasing fines.”
Infrastructure expert and former secretary Kamal Pandey remarked that fewer fines indicate better rule compliance, though even under current conditions traffic police attempt to enforce signals.
“Sometimes police direct vehicles around intersections, other times they don’t; people don’t know when they might be fined,” he said. “That is why we should follow rules instead of just signals. Measures like license suspension or orientation programs can be implemented as needed.”
Although the fines are at international levels, challenges remain due to weak infrastructure and the income levels of the population.
“Awareness is key in many areas. Problems cannot be solved only by imposing fines at once,” he added. “Awareness campaigns should be spread throughout Nepal; otherwise, high fines might lead to widespread corruption.”
Lawmaker Gajurel also stated that increasing fines increases the government’s responsibility.
“Road infrastructure must be improved, and investments made in traffic signals and awareness campaigns,” he said. “The goal is not merely punishing road users but motivating them to follow rules to make roads safer.”
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