Kathmandu Metropolitan City has launched a car pooling system to tackle the growing fuel crisis, aiming to cut costs and prevent disruption to essential services. The move reflects rising concern over fuel shortages and their potential long-term impact on city operations.
Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol announced the decision, warning that continued high fuel consumption could strain resources needed for critical public services.
Fuel Shortage Forces Operational Shift
Officials say the initiative comes as part of a broader response to the global fuel shortage, which has begun affecting local government logistics. Under the new system, vehicles previously assigned to individual officials will now operate on a rotational basis. Authorities believe this will significantly reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency.
Dangol emphasized that without immediate action, even essential services could face fuel shortages in the near future.
Car Pooling Model Based on Location Groups
The metropolitan office has grouped officials based on their residential areas to implement the car pooling system effectively. Officials traveling along the same route will now share a single vehicle for commuting to and from the office. Each group member will take turns providing their vehicle, ensuring fair distribution of responsibility.
This structured approach is expected to minimize unnecessary vehicle usage across the city.
Cost-Cutting Measures Already Underway
The car pooling decision builds on an earlier move by the city’s executive committee to reduce fuel quotas. Authorities say the new system is designed to reinforce those cuts and ensure they translate into real savings.
By combining quota reduction with shared transport, the city aims to create a sustainable model for managing limited fuel resources.
Expected Impact on Traffic and Fuel Use
City officials believe the initiative will not only conserve fuel but also reduce the number of vehicles on Kathmandu’s congested roads. Fewer official vehicles on the streets could ease traffic pressure while contributing to lower emissions.
The metropolitan office sees the policy as a necessary shift in response to evolving global challenges, with potential long-term benefits beyond the current crisis.
