Kathmandu: Talks between the government and transport entrepreneurs ended without agreement on Monday, with transport associations announcing that the strike will continue on Tuesday.

According to participants in the negotiations, no consensus was reached on the first and most critical demand — the withdrawal of the ride-sharing bill introduced by the Gandaki Province government. Transport entrepreneurs have been demanding the bill be scrapped, citing opposition to provisions that allow vehicles with red number plates to carry passengers.

While discussions on other points reportedly made progress, the deadlock over the key demand led to the failure of the talks.

Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the Nepal National Transport Entrepreneurs Federation, said talks are ongoing and have been progressing in a positive manner. A task force was formed during Monday’s discussions to move negotiations forward.

The next round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 AM.