DoTM begins building data recovery center in Hetauda; Full operations to take three months

KATHMANDU: More than two months after the GenZ uprising on August 23–24 left the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) in ruins, critical public services—especially driving licence issuance—remain only partially functional. The department, whose main building was destroyed in an arson attack, continues operating under temporary tents, relying on makeshift electricity and network connections that frequently disrupt service delivery.

According to Keshav Khatiwada, Director of Information Technology at the department, the fire caused total system failure, forcing the office to halt operations for nearly two months. In an effort to resume essential services, the department set up an interim data center on Kartik 13, allowing limited online applications, renewals, and emergency processing for outbound migrant workers. Yet, recurring technical glitches continue to shut down licence services without notice.

“We were in a state of complete destruction. Construction, renovation, and retrofitting are underway and will take another three months,” Khatiwada told Vikas News. “Still, to prevent further delay for service seekers, we worked day and night to establish an interim data center to resume partial services.”

Slow Restoration Across the Country

Out of 42 transport offices nationwide, 38 have reopened, while four remain shut due to severe infrastructure damage. Khatiwada said restored offices will also resume full service soon.

Because procurement of new devices takes time, the department has been relying on borrowed equipment and emergency support from other government agencies. Items collected from the burnt office are being assessed—separating usable devices from those that require replacement—to guide procurement decisions.

Remarkably, a vehicle, 25 desktop computers, and around 600,000 blank licence cards were recovered intact. The blank cards are currently undergoing quality tests, and officials hope they will be usable.

Hetauda Data Recovery Center Underway

To prevent future data losses during movements, earthquakes, or fires, the department is building a dedicated Data Recovery Center in Hetauda. This center aims to safeguard critical digital records and ensure system continuity, even during crisis events.

Licence Printing Crisis May Last Six Months

The department’s licence printer was completely destroyed in the fire. A new one must be imported from Italy through an international tender process—likely to take five to six months. To avoid a printing backlog, the department has signed an agreement with the Security Printing Center, which has already produced 500 test licences.

Daily printing will now continue, and once new middleware software is ready within a month, the government plans to clear the 1.2 million pending licences within three months, officials said.

Services Under a Tent: Frequent Breakdowns, Public Frustration

Currently, services are being provided from under a tent. Electricity is supplied through wires tied to trees, and internet cables have been installed temporarily. As a result, systems run slowly and often malfunction.

“When the generator broke down, services were blocked for days. Now we are relying on battery backups,” Khatiwada said.

Frustrated service seekers raised concerns about delays, lack of transparency, and poor communication from authorities.

Saphal Dhakal of Nuwakot, who took the written test but has not received a trial date, said he has faced problems when traffic police request his licence documents.
“We gave the written test on the 23rd, but everything stopped the next day due to the protests,” he said. “They say they cannot upload our results. Traffic asks for documents, but we cannot show anything. Even the contact numbers on the ministry’s website are wrong.”

Similarly, Baburam Bik, who applied online for an MRP licence a week ago, said the department has failed to deliver even urgent services.
“Not just me—no one is satisfied. The government must fix this immediately,” he said, adding that he has an international flight tomorrow.

Department Apologizes, Says Three More Months Needed

Director Khatiwada acknowledged the public hardship and said the department is “deeply apologetic.” With only 40 percent of the building reconstruction completed, at least three more months are needed to fully restore normal operations.

Until then, millions of Nepalis relying on licence issuance and renewal services will continue to face delays, uncertainty, and growing frustration.