Nepal’s Department of Transport Management has warned public transport drivers and highway hotel and restaurant operators that they may face legal action if travelers become ill after being served poor quality food during their journeys. The measure aims to improve food hygiene at roadside eateries, particularly during the festive travel season, when large numbers of people travel across the country to celebrate Dashain, Tihar, and other festivals with family and friends. The department issued the notice following public complaints about unhygienic food services, emphasizing that cleanliness, food quality, and passenger safety must remain priorities at establishments serving long distance travelers.
Government of Nepal Moves to Improve Food Safety Along Highways
According to the report, Department of Transport Management Director Maniram Bhusal issued a notice highlighting the need for hotels and restaurants serving public transport passengers to maintain proper sanitation and provide food that meets acceptable quality standards. Drivers and business operators could face action under existing laws if travelers become ill after consuming poor-quality meals during their journeys. The decision follows concerns raised by passengers about the condition of food services at roadside establishments, particularly those used for meal breaks during long distance travel.
The directive was issued in line with a decision made at a meeting of concerned authorities held at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development. It targets public transport drivers, hotel and restaurant businesses, and travelers, with the broader objective of improving the quality of roadside services. The initiative highlights the importance of safe food handling and responsible hospitality practices at highway stops, where passengers often depend on local eateries for meals and refreshments while traveling between cities and tourist destinations.
Drivers Urged to Choose Clean and Reliable Eateries
The department has instructed public transport drivers to prioritize hotels and restaurants that provide clean surroundings and hygienic, good quality food. Where possible, drivers should stop at establishments displaying food hygiene stickers issued by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. The guidance is intended to encourage more responsible choices when selecting meal stops and to help passengers access safer food services during their journeys.
Drivers play an important role in the travel experience because passengers frequently rely on them to choose suitable places for food and rest breaks. Selecting establishments that maintain proper hygiene can help reduce avoidable health risks while building greater confidence in road travel. For visitors exploring Nepal by public transport, dependable roadside food services are also an important part of a comfortable journey, particularly when traveling to destinations outside major urban centers.
Authorities to Monitor Complaints About Food Quality and Pricing
The Department of Transport Management has stated that relevant authorities will closely monitor complaints about travelers becoming ill because of poor quality food served by hotels and restaurants. The notice addresses concerns about inadequate cleanliness, stale food, food exposed to flies, and meals that fail to meet acceptable quality standards. It also calls attention to complaints about unfair pricing, making clear that travelers should raise concerns when food hygiene, quality, or prices fall short of reasonable expectations.
Passengers who encounter such problems can contact the Nepal Police hotline at 100 or submit complaints to the relevant District Administration Office, District Police Office, District Traffic Police Office, or the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and its nearby offices. These reporting channels give travelers a way to alert the authorities when they encounter potentially unsafe food or unfair business practices. Prompt reporting can help officials identify concerns and determine whether further investigation or action is required.
Safer Roadside Services Can Strengthen Nepal’s Tourism Experience
Food safety is an essential part of responsible travel, especially during Nepal’s busy festival season, when highways carry increased numbers of passengers. Roadside hotels and restaurants provide valuable services to people traveling between cities, cultural landmarks, religious sites, and other tourist destinations. Maintaining clean facilities and serving hygienically prepared meals can improve passenger comfort while helping businesses build a positive reputation among both domestic and international visitors.
The latest directive offers an opportunity to strengthen service standards across Nepal’s highway hospitality sector. Drivers, hotel operators, and travelers each have a role in supporting safer journeys, while consistent monitoring and enforcement can encourage businesses to maintain appropriate food-quality standards. By prioritizing hygiene, responsible service, and fair pricing, Nepal can help protect travelers and promote a more reliable and welcoming road travel experience throughout the country.
