Traffic Document Retrieval Goes Digital: Online System for Burnt Documents
Online Vehicle Document Retrieval
13th October 2025, Kathmandu
The days of making repeated trips to the Traffic Police Office for document retrieval are over.
Online Vehicle Document Retrieval
Service recipients in Kathmandu will no longer have to visit the police office to submit an application for the replacement of vehicle documents that were unfortunately burnt during the recent ‘Gen Z’ youth protests on Bhadra 23 and 24.
A new online vehicle document retrieval system has been launched, allowing citizens to complete the process digitally. This major technological shift promises to save valuable time and significantly reduce the administrative burden on the public.
The Need for a Digital Solution
The protests led to significant damage at the Traffic Police Office. Important government records were destroyed in the fire.
These included critical documents like vehicle registration papers, driver’s licenses, logbooks, and detailed fine records.
The sheer volume of burnt documents necessitated a streamlined, efficient solution that could handle the retrieval process without overwhelming both the public and the police force. The adoption of an online system was the logical and necessary step forward.
How the Online Retrieval System Works
The process for applying for replacement documents has been made remarkably simple and user-friendly. Service recipients can initiate their application directly through the website of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office.
To start, users must navigate to the section labeled ‘Kaagajat Harayema’ (If documents are lost) and click on the link to access the digital form. They then simply fill out and submit the necessary details.
Upon successful submission, the system generates a unique application number. This number is crucial for tracking the application’s progress.
Retrieving the Recommendation Letter
Once the application is processed, the next step involves retrieving the official recommendation letter. Service recipients must visit the ‘Check Application’ section on the website and enter their previously received application number.
The system will then provide a recommendation letter which includes a QR code. This QR code acts as a verifiable digital stamp of authenticity for the document.
The final step requires the service recipient to take this QR-coded recommendation letter to the concerned Transport Office.
This document facilitates the final replacement of the burnt official papers. This digital process significantly reduces the workload for the Traffic Police Office while simultaneously improving service delivery.
Vehicle Operation During the Retrieval Process
Recognizing the inconvenience caused by the loss of documents, the Valley Traffic Police Office has issued a temporary measure for vehicle operation.
Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police for the Valley Traffic Police Office, Naresh Raj Subedi, confirmed this new arrangement.
If a person’s documents were burnt, they are allowed to operate their vehicle using a 24-hour temporary receipt or a recommendation letter previously issued by the traffic police.
Spokesperson Subedi emphasized that even if a driver no longer possesses their physical driver’s license, any previously issued 24-hour temporary receipt or other verifiable proof can be used as a valid basis to permit continued vehicle operation. This pragmatic approach ensures essential services remain functional despite the document loss.
Boosting Digital Governance
This launch marks a critical advancement in digital governance within the transport sector. By leveraging technology for essential public services, the Traffic Police Office is embracing an ICT-centric approach.
The online vehicle document retrieval system is a testament to the ongoing efforts to modernize public service delivery, making it more efficient, transparent, and less time-consuming for the general public.
This move aligns with the broader national goal of digital transformation. It demonstrates how an online system can effectively solve complex, real-world logistical problems following unforeseen events.
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