The suspension of public transport in Gandaki Province for the past three days has caused severe difficulty for commuters, particularly those from working-class communities.

Transport operators halted services on Friday, demanding the repeal of the provincial government’s new regulations on ride-hailing and self-driving rentals. The shutdown has left both rural and urban routes—including the Prithvi Highway—without public vehicles, disrupting daily life.

Khem Bahadur Gurung of Mirlung in Bhanu Municipality, who had travelled to Damauli for medical treatment, said he has been unable to return to his village due to the transport strike.

“I came for treatment and was supposed to return to plant paddy seedlings, but there’s no vehicle running. I don’t know when I’ll be able to go home,” he said while waiting at Bhorletar Chowk in Damauli.

Harimaya Thapa Magar of ward 1 of Rishing Rural Municipality who sells fruits near the highway in Damauli, said the shutdown has left her without any income.

“I survive by selling fruits to travellers. But for three days, I’ve had no sales. The fruits I purchased on credit are now rotting,” she said. “If it all goes to waste, I’ll lose my investment and won’t be able to repay my suppliers or manage daily expenses.”

Local residents said that while transport entrepreneurs are free to fight for their rights, they should not infringe upon others’ rights. “Authorities must resolve this issue immediately,” said Basanta Thapa of ward 2 of Byas Municipality. “This cannot go on.”

In the absence of transport, the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been escorting stranded passengers using tourist buses.

According to Inspector Raju Adhikari of the District Police Office, Tanahun, joint police teams have escorted buses from Pokhara to Kotre on the district border and then from there to Mugling via the Mankamana Battalion in Tanahun.

The Gandaki Province Public Transport Protection Struggle Committee had called the transport strike starting May 30.

Spokesperson Yogendra KC said the government’s new policy would displace traditional transport operators, forcing them to take to the streets.

He accused the provincial government of taking arbitrary decisions without proper consultation.