Kathmandu, Aug. 5 -- A new system introduced by the Department of Transport Management has brought most driving licence services across Nepal to a standstill for nearly three weeks, leaving applicants unable to obtain new licences or renew.

While some transport offices have resumed limited services, such as distributing licences, most offices remain unable to process new applications, conduct trials or complete renewals.

The government has highlighted the printing of long-delayed licences as an achievement, but critics say it has remained silent as licence services have remained largely dysfunctional for 19 days.

Nepal has 42 transport management and service offices across the country. Most of them have reported severe disruptions afte...