CHALLENGES IN NEPAL’S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM:OVERCOMING

BARRIERS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT:
The transportation system in Nepal faces challenges significantly impacting its economic
growth and social development. This report focuses on major obstacles, such as poor road
infrastructure, inadequate public transportation, and challenging geographical terrain. Rugged
landscapes make it difficult to connect remote areas, hampering economic development.
Additionally, lack of modern transportation facilities leads to congestion, safety issues, and
air pollution in urban regions. To address these challenges, Nepal requires significant
infrastructure investment, improved public transportation services, and innovative approaches
to overcome geographical constraints. By addressing such issues proactively, Nepal can
improve its transportation infrastructure, boost economic growth, and enhance the quality of
life for its citizens.
INTRODUCTION
Nepal, a landlocked country characterized by rugged terrains, diverse landscapes, and cultural
richness, has long suffered with the inadequacy and unbalanced distribution of its
transportation infrastructure. This has been a significant obstacle to the nation's economic
development and has contributed to broaden regional disparities. Over the years, Nepal has
experienced political instability, non-inclusive policies, and ethnic conflicts which have
further exacerbated these challenges, making it difficult for some regions to access essential
services and economic opportunities, while other areas experience rapid urbanization and
increased income, demanding a more efficient transport system.
In response to these serious issues, Nepal's government had set significant targets to uplift the
country's economic status and transition from a least developed to a developing nation by
2022. This process required a significant annual economic growth rate, necessitating
significant policy changes and increased investment, particularly in sectors like
transportation.
Transportation is considered the backbone of all infrastructures, and it plays a crucial role in
promoting rapid economic growth. However, the existing transportation system faces
numerous challenges, and thus, this report aims to explore and analyse the existing challenges
and issues in Nepal's transportation sector. It investigates the impact of the uneven
distribution of income across regions, the effects of geographical complexities, and the
consequences of slower development processes. Additionally, the report seeks to identify
policy options and strategies that can address these challenges, boost investment in the
transport sector, and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth for Nepal.
WHY TRANSPORTATION IN NEPAL IS SO INADEQUATE?
Transportation in Nepal is inadequate primarily due to a combination of geographical
challenges, widespread poverty, increasing car ownership, and adverse weather conditions.
Nepal's unique topography, with both plains and rugged mountainous terrain, makes road
construction and maintenance an arduous task. The difficult terrain not only prolongs
construction time but also results in winding, narrow roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
The country's economic constraints and high poverty rates further increase the transportation
issues. As one of the poorest nations globally, Nepal struggles to invest in developing modern
road networks capable of withstanding weather conditions and efficiently connecting isolated
regions. While private vehicle ownership is on the rise and considered a status symbol, public
transportation remains crucial for the majority who cannot afford personal vehicles. The
transportation infrastructure must adapt to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles
while providing accessible public transport for the less affluent population.
Harsh weather conditions, including monsoons and natural disasters like landslides, adds
additional challenges to transportation in Nepal. These weather conditions can damage
existing roads and prevent the smooth functioning of transportation networks. Remote areas
lacking proper road access face significant hurdles in receiving emergency services and
accessing public facilities, affecting the overall well-being and efficiency of the economy.
Furthermore, the limited availability of all-weather roads severely obstruct the movement of
people and goods, hindering economic growth and development. Approximately 17% of the
rural population in Nepal has access to all-weather roads, indicating a vast portion of the
population remains disconnected from essential services and economic opportunities.