The Kathmandu Metropolitan City office has started penalizing the drivers for being unable to pass the emission test and not maintaining their engines. The penalties, beginning at Rs1,000, form part of a campaign to combat worsening air pollution in the capital. More than 1,200 vehicles have been evaluated, and so far, about 80% of diesel engines and 30% of petrol engines did not comply.
Another aspect of concern for the city is vehicles over 20 years old, which are major contributors to pollution. Emission testing is regulated federally, but the local authorities also can ban polluting vehicles. The city will soon impose requirements for cleaner vehicles and better conditions for passengers.