Araniko transport bus halted after Tamakoshi accident resumes after 15 days

Kathmandu. The Manthali-based bus service of Nepal Araniko Yatayat Sewa Pvt Ltd, which was closed for the past 15 days following a horrific bus accident at Lilauti, Bhaluwajor of Manthali municipality-6 on February 12, has resumed. Locals have been facing problems when the bus service plying in the rural areas via Manthali has been closed.

At least 15 people were killed and eight others injured in the accident. Following the accident, the Araniko Sewa Pvt Ltd stopped the bus service on the Manthali route, expressing dissatisfaction over the relief and compensation.

Normal life in Likhu area of Ramechhap and Okhaldhunga has been directly affected due to the closure of bus service to the rural areas via Manthali. Passengers travelling from rural areas to the district headquarters Manthali, Kathmandu and Terai were facing difficulties in reaching their destinations. When the transport services were suspended, the sick, students and daily wage earners were the most affected.

Various organizations at the civic level had expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the state mechanism to play an effective role after the bus service was halted. They pressed the local administration to ensure both justice and transport services for the victims.

The company is preparing to provide Rs 500,000 to the families of 15 deceased in the accident as insurance facility and Rs 100,000 as funeral expenses. However, the relatives of the deceased have demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each. The compensation amount is yet to be agreed upon.

The Pvt Ltd has taken full responsibility for the treatment of 8 injured in the accident. The injured are said to be improving.

Ramechhap district in-charge of Nepal Araniko Transportation Service Pvt Ltd, Subash Phuyal, informed that the buses plying via Manthali route have resumed. With the resumption of transport services, the hustle and bustle has increased in the market area.