March 16: Inauguration of the Jayanagar-Janakpur Railway service has become uncertain as the ordinance related to the operation of the railway service has become inactive.    

It may be noted that preparations were underway to inaugurate the service virtually by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi but the ordinance has become ineffective with the prorogation of the winter session of parliament from Tuesday midnight.    

According to Nepal Railway Company’s General Manager Niranjhan Jha, talks are underway for re-issue the ordinance to pave the way for the inauguration of the railway. However, no substantive decision has been taken so far.    

The ordinance relating to the operation of railway service was issued on December 1, 2021 by the president on the recommendation of the government. It was issued in accordance with the Article 114 (1) of the Constitution.    

As per the constitutional provision, an ordinance needs to be tabled at the Parliament session within 60 days of the first meeting of both the Houses. However, the government could not table the document relating to the railway service in the House due to continued obstructions by the main opposition CPN (UML). -- RSS