KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has approved the National Transport Policy 2083, outlining a long-term roadmap to modernise the country’s transport system and accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
Prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the policy was endorsed by the Cabinet on July 9, 2026.
The policy aims to develop an integrated transport system covering roads, railways, aviation, waterways and cable cars. It also focuses on expanding affordable, reliable and technology-driven transport services while improving road safety and reducing carbon emissions.
The government plans to adopt a scientific and evidence-based approach to transport planning, construction and operation. It also seeks to promote low-emission and alternative energy vehicles as part of Nepal’s climate goals.
Alongside EV promotion, the policy includes road safety audits, improved blackspot management, emergency response during the “golden hour” after crashes and stronger rescue services.
The government has also proposed a national vehicle scrappage policy, battery management and recycling guidelines, charging stations and battery-swapping hubs along major highways, and the development of an integrated multimodal transport master plan.
Other initiatives include dedicated lanes for mass transit systems such as MRT, BRT and trams in major cities, smart ticketing, AI-based traffic management and the digitalisation of driving licences, vehicle registration and route permits.
The policy identifies seven key strategies to accelerate Nepal’s transition to electric mobility.
- Prioritise electric public transport by expanding the use of EVs in public transportation.
- Develop charging infrastructure through an integrated framework for charging stations, battery-swapping facilities and green corridors.
- Expand EV use in government fleets across federal, provincial and local governments, as well as in municipal transport systems.
- Introduce financial support mechanisms for electric public transport, including viability gap funding (VGF) and other risk-sharing measures.
- Coordinate power supply and charging infrastructure by strengthening collaboration between transport and energy-related agencies.
- Implement battery safety and recycling standards covering battery safety, reuse and end-of-life management.
- Develop a National Vehicle Scrappage and Fleet Renewal System to gradually phase out older public and private vehicles based on age, emissions and safety standards.
