9th September 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s nationwide crisis has escalated dramatically with the announcement of an indefinite transport strike, crippling a country already reeling from violent youth protests and a government-imposed curfew.
Nepal Transport Strike
The National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (NFNTE) has called for the complete halt of all public and freight transportation services, citing the need for peace and security in the wake of widespread vandalism and arson.
This move adds a new layer of hardship for the Nepali populace, which is struggling to navigate a tense and volatile environment.
The strike was announced following a day of intense clashes on September 8th, during which the Gen-Z youth protests resulted in a tragic loss of life.
According to the NFNTE, the protests claimed 19 lives and led to extensive damage to vehicles and public property. The federation’s official statement declared that transport services would not resume until the situation returns to normal and the safety of vehicles, drivers, and commuters can be guaranteed.
The Gen-Z movement, initially triggered by a government ban on various social media platforms, has quickly become a symbol of widespread public frustration with the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The youth, who have been vocal against corruption, nepotism, and governmental mismanagement, took to the streets in unprecedented numbers.
However, their peaceful demonstrations were met with a brutal police crackdown that has drawn international condemnation. The government’s heavy-handed response has not only failed to quell the protests but has also intensified the public’s anger, leading to a breakdown of law and order in several parts of the country.
The transport strike will have a severe and immediate impact on daily life. With buses, microbuses, and other public vehicles off the roads, commuters are facing immense challenges.
Students, office workers, and daily wage earners are all stranded, with many having to resort to walking long distances.
Essential services, including the delivery of food, medicine, and other goods, are also expected to be disrupted, potentially leading to shortages and inflated prices.
The strike’s ripple effect will be felt across the economy, impacting tourism, trade, and even the healthcare sector, as patients struggle to reach hospitals for critical treatment.
In a show of solidarity with the victims of the protests, the NFNTE has also directed all its member associations, committees, companies, and firms to assist in the treatment of those injured.
This directive highlights a sense of community responsibility that is emerging in response to the state’s perceived failures.
While the transport strike will cause significant inconvenience, the federation’s support for the injured protesters may be seen as a humanitarian gesture aimed at mitigating some of the harm caused by the recent violence.
The government is now under immense pressure to de-escalate the situation. The imposition of indefinite curfew orders, coupled with the nationwide transport strike, has brought daily life to a grinding halt.
The dual crisis of public unrest and a paralyzed transport system is a major challenge for the Oli-Deuba coalition. The international community, including human rights organizations, has called for an independent investigation into the police’s use of lethal force.
As Nepal faces one of its most severe crises in recent history, the indefinite transport strike serves as a powerful symbol of the public’s deep-seated grievances.
It is not just a strike over logistical concerns but a clear message to the government that the citizens’ right to peaceful protest and security must be respected. The nation waits to see if the government can find a way to restore peace, ensure safety, and address the underlying issues that have pushed the country to the brink.
For more: Nepal Transport Strike