Pankaj Rai Announces Independent Candidacy for Chairman of Western Region Transport Business Committee

Chaitra 18, Butwal – Electoral activity has intensified for new leadership at the Western Region Transport Business (Truck) Committee. On Chaitra 20 and 21, the committee will conduct its 25th Annual General Meeting and 14th Convention to elect new leaders. The committee, which includes 2,000 trucks and 1,300 businessmen, is considered the largest truck business organization in Nepal.

Young businessman Pankaj Rai has declared his independent candidacy for the chairman post for a two-year term. On Wednesday, he held a press conference in Butwal to unveil a 14-point commitment plan.

Rai emphasized prioritizing the development of a mobile application system to streamline coordination among businessmen, self-employed workers, and laborers, especially to simplify and expedite resolving issues and complex procedures that arise following road accidents.

He committed to advocating with the government for the formulation of business-friendly laws, revising impractical and unfavorable regulations for businessmen, enrolling drivers and assistants in the Social Security Fund, and maintaining arrangements for insurance training and health check-ups.

His pledges also include ensuring drivers’ health and insurance coverage, conducting regular health screenings and accident insurance programs, fostering respectful and cooperative relations between businessmen and employees, addressing parking issues, and strengthening security systems to prevent fuel and cargo theft.

Moreover, Rai promised to push for reducing the permitted operational time for Indian number-plated trucks within Nepal from 72 hours to 24 hours, simplify and streamline road permit processes with mandatory annual renewals only once a year, launch a toll-free helpline, and provide immediate assistance during accidents and emergencies. «Regular training programs on safe driving, traffic rules, and emergency management are part of my commitments,» Rai stated. «Transparency in the organization’s operations and sustainable solutions for businessmen’s problems remain my priorities.»

Rai also plans to establish a help desk for smooth operation of the Social Security Fund and strengthen membership expansion efforts. Alongside Rai, two other groups led by Pratap Karki, affiliated with the Nepali Congress, and Yam GC, aligned with the Nepali Communist Party, are preparing candidate panels to contest the committee leadership.