Nepal Aims for Fully Tech-Integrated Transport System Within Five Years, Says Infrastructure Committee Chairman

Nepal is poised for a significant transformation in its transportation sector, with plans to achieve a fully technology-friendly system within the next five years. This ambitious vision was articulated by Ashish Gajurel, Chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee, during the 'NAIMA Mobility Dialogue' program organized by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).

Chairman Gajurel highlighted the government's commitment to moving away from the current reliance on direct human intervention by traffic police, aiming instead for a sophisticated, technology-driven traffic management system. This future system will leverage advanced technology to identify and penalize vehicles and drivers who violate traffic rules, thereby streamlining enforcement and reducing congestion. "We will work towards a system where there isn't a single traffic police officer on the roads for direct management. Their role will primarily be enforcement after technological identification of violations," Gajurel stated, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to achieve this within the five-year timeframe.

He critically noted that previous governments predominantly focused on the construction and expansion of roads, inadvertently sidelining the crucial aspect of road management. This oversight has led to a chaotic and inefficient transportation system across the country, despite the increasing road network. Gajurel pointed out the stark contrast with other nations, particularly in the US, Europe, and various Asian countries, where significant state investment in public transportation is a norm. In Nepal, however, the public transport sector is largely run by private entities, often operating without systematic schedules, further contributing to traffic congestion and public inconvenience.

With approximately 6.3 million vehicles registered in Nepal, and an estimated 3.5 to 3.6 million actively operating on the roads, the current manual management system, where traffic police rely on whistles and hand gestures, is deemed unsustainable and unfortunate. The proposed technological overhaul seeks to address this inefficiency, promising a more organized and responsive transport environment.

Beyond technological upgrades, the government is also actively engaged in crucial policy and legal reforms. Gajurel informed that the Road Safety Act, which has been stalled for eight years, is now in its final stages of approval. Concurrently, efforts are underway to refine and update other laws pertinent to public transportation and road infrastructure. These legislative improvements are integral to establishing a robust framework for the planned systematic public transport system within the next five years.

The vision extends to creating human-friendly cities, prioritizing infrastructure development that caters to all segments of society, including individuals with disabilities and children. Furthermore, Gajurel touched upon the contentious issue of traffic fines, advocating for a balanced approach. While acknowledging the need for some increase in fines in line with international practices, he stressed that penalties should not be so exorbitant as to be unaffordable for the average citizen, considering Nepal's economic realities. He also called for improvements in the conduct, behavior, and financial transparency of traffic police, pledging government support for necessary infrastructure and policy changes to eradicate allegations of corruption.

This comprehensive plan signals a significant shift in Nepal's approach to urban mobility and infrastructure, promising a more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced transport system that could have far-reaching economic benefits and improve the quality of life for its citizens.