On 14 January 2026, Bikalpa-An Alternative officially released its research paper focusing on City Safaris (E-rickshaws) in the Terai region, distributed awards to the winners of an online video competition titled “Role of City Rickshaws in Nepalese Society,” and honored Honorable Rewati Raman Bhandari, former Minister of Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province. Besides this, certificates of appreciation were presented to BSW students from Mahendra Morang Adarsha Multiple Campus, who volunteered in an awareness campaign educating e-rickshaw drivers about licensing requirements across Biratnagar’s streets. The program brought together approximately 90 participants, including representatives from the e-rickshaw federation, traders, entrepreneurs, traffic police, insurance companies, journalists, ride-sharing applications, and civil society organizations.
The program was chaired by Prof. Dr. Besha Prasad Dhamala, Chairperson of Bikalpa-An Alternative, with Honorable Umakanta Gautam, State Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, serving as Chief Guest. Honorable Rewati Raman Bhandari, former Minister of Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, graced the occasion as Special Guest. Distinguished guests also included Inspector Santosh Neupane, Head of District Traffic Police Office, Morang; Arjun Shrestha, President of PABSON Morang Committee; and Santosh Sigdel, Vice-President of Federation of Nepali Journalists, Morang. The program was facilitated by Mr. Nishant Dhungana, while Ranu Sah, Program Coordinator of Bikalpa an Alternative, clearly articulated the objectives of the event to the attendees.
As part of the celebration, the program recognized the top four winners of an online video competition titled “Role of City Rickshaws in Nepalese Society,” awarding them cash prizes and certificates of recognition. Sangam Paudel secured first place with a prize of Rs. 25,000, followed by Satya Rajbanshi in second place (Rs. 18,000), Sitaram Koirala in third place (Rs. 10,000), and Anish Khanal in fourth place (Rs. 7,000). Following the competition awards, certificates of appreciation were distributed to BSW students from Mahendra Morang Adarsha Multiple Campus, who dedicated six days to volunteering in an awareness campaign that educated e-rickshaw drivers about licensing requirements across the streets of Biratnagar.
Research Findings and Policy Implications
During the research presentation, Bikalpa’s researcher Mr. Samir Chhetri pointed out that there are currently over 200,000 City Safaris operating across Nepal’s Terai region. A major finding of the study was that the low educational status of many drivers acted as a systemic barrier to obtaining driving licenses under the traditional written-exam format. The report lauded the Koshi Provincial Government’s recent move to replace written exams with oral tests and traffic rule training, a reform that has significantly simplified the licensing path for marginalized drivers.
A highlight of the program was the special recognition of Honorable Rewati Raman Bhandari, former Minister of Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province. He was honored for his proactive leadership in amending provincial laws and simplifying the license procurement process for e-rickshaw drivers during his tenure. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Bhandari expressed pride in the legislative reforms, noting that other provinces have begun studying Koshi’s model as a “best practice.” He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for further improvements, even beyond his official ministerial role.
Building on this legacy, State Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Umakanta Gautam, emphasized the provincial government’s dedication to effective traffic management and road safety. He assured that the findings of Bikalpa’s research would be integrated into future government planning and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
Ground-Level Challenges and Implementation Strategies
Addressing implementation challenges, Traffic Police Chief Santosh Neupane, representing the District Traffic Police Office in Morang, expressed that e-rickshaw drivers are often disrespected because of a lack of road discipline, reckless maneuvers, and the operation of vehicles by unlicensed and inexperienced drivers. He highlighted specific issues such as drug and alcohol abuse among drivers, as well as a significant number of illegal drivers coming from neighboring India. Currently, there is a lack of data regarding exactly how many rickshaws are operating in Biratnagar or how many drivers actually possess licenses. To solve these issues, the traffic police have launched a campaign requiring drivers to be verified Nepali citizens and valid license holders. Drivers must register their citizenship and license copies with the police to be integrated into the “Safe Driver” system. Registered drivers will be issued numbered jackets labeled “Safe Driver.” This system is designed to make drivers more responsible and disciplined. It also enhances safety for women and children, as passengers can report misconduct or lost items using the jacket number rather than the vehicle number; police can then instantly access the driver’s full details via a mobile system. Registered drivers will receive regular training every 20 to 60 days. As for the recording, over 300 drivers have already registered in the system, and the distribution of jackets is imminent. Neupane urged the public to be conscious of their safety by choosing “Safe Drivers” over unregistered ones. He also encouraged citizens to be proactive by reporting traffic violations, such as vehicles blocking sidewalks, rather than relying solely on the police for market management.
The licensing challenges extend beyond Koshi Province. Diwakar Upreti, representing Madhesh Province and Executive Director of Kayapalat, highlighted a critical licensing crisis where approximately 87.76% of the 87,000+ e-rickshaw drivers in the Madhesh province lack a license. This legal gap often results in drivers facing jail time and financial ruin after accidents because they cannot access insurance without a valid license. To address this, he is advocating for specific provincial regulations and “alternative examinations” to implement existing laws, as the current reliance on federal procedures leaves drivers unsupported. He praised Koshi Province as a successful model for licensing and aims to replicate their approach in Madhesh. Ultimately, Diwakar seeks to ensure licensing facilities for all Rickshaw drivers across the Terai to protect their legal rights and livelihoods.
Looking Forward
The launch of this research paper marks a pivotal moment for transport policy in Koshi Province and beyond. By combining academic research, legislative advocacy, community engagement, and ground-level implementation strategies, Bikalpa continues to champion the rights and livelihoods of those at the grassroots level of Nepal’s economy. The success of Koshi’s licensing reforms and the innovative “Safe Driver” initiative demonstrate that collaborative efforts between government, civil society, and stakeholders can create meaningful change for marginalized communities while enhancing road safety for all citizens.
Here’s the media coverage of the Research Launch and Award Distribution Ceremony.
https://udghoshdaily.com/news/659457-260116080726/detail
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1636759277695041/?app=fbl
https://arunkhabar.com/archives/12746
https://www.hamrobiratnagar.com/hb/16306.html
https://khabarpurwanchal.com/2026/01/14/77774/
