Kathmandu, Feb. 2 -- The Gandaki Province formally implemented its ride-sharing regulation by publishing it in the provincial Gazette last Thursday, ending months of uncertainty after the rules were temporarily withdrawn in June last year following protests by public transporters.

By contrast, Bagmati Province continues to struggle to introduce similar regulations despite a Supreme Court ruling recognising ride-hailing as a legitimate and convenient service. An estimated 200,000 riders are currently engaged in ride-sharing services across Nepal under the gig economy, operating largely without clear provincial guidelines in Bagmati.

Under the newly enforced Gandaki regulation, ride-sharing services using two-wheelers are permitted only f...