Kathmandu: After extensive discussions, the government and transport entrepreneurs have prepared a six-point draft agreement aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over Gandaki Province’s plan to allow private vehicles for rental services.

The talks, held throughout Monday and late into the night, were described as having made “positive progress” by government negotiator Rabindra Acharya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs. As per the draft agreement, the controversial guidelines issued by Gandaki Province will be sent to the Council of Ministers via the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and a formal request will be submitted to the Gandaki Province Office through the Prime Minister’s Office.

However, Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, made it clear that the agitation will not be suspended until the specific provision in the Gandaki regulation that allows private vehicles for rental is formally removed.

“An agreement is not enough. The movement will continue until the disputed point is withdrawn,” said Sitaula.

The negotiations, led by Krishna Raj Pant, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, represented the government, while a nine-member delegation of transport entrepreneurs was led by Federation President Bijay Bahadur Swar.

Despite the tentative six-point agreement, Monday night’s meeting did not yield a complete resolution, and talks are expected to continue today.

Transport entrepreneurs began protesting after the Gandaki Province government drafted new guidelines to permit private vehicle rentals, which they say threaten their business and the organized public transport system.