KATHMANDU: Nepal is preparing to make the transport sector fully technology-driven within the next five years, according to Ashish Gajurel, Chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee.
Speaking at the ‘NAIMA Mobility Dialogue’ organized by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) on Wednesday, Gajurel said the government plans to reduce reliance on traffic police for day-to-day traffic management.
Under the planned system, technology will be used to identify vehicles and drivers violating traffic rules and take action against them. He said the goal is to have traffic management largely handled through technology within five years.
Gajurel said previous governments focused mainly on building and expanding roads while giving less attention to road management and public transport.
He said Nepal has around 6.3 million registered vehicles, but only about 60% are currently estimated to be operating on the roads. This puts the number of active vehicles at around 3.5-3.6 million.
He also stressed the need for greater government investment in public transport. According to Gajurel, the heavy reliance on private operators and the lack of proper schedules have contributed to traffic congestion and poor transport management.
The government is also working on reforms to transport and road-related policies, laws and regulations. Gajurel said a road safety law that has remained stalled for eight years has reached its final stage.
He added that the government aims to develop a more organized public transport system within the next five years and build more accessible, people-friendly cities.
Gajurel also said traffic fines should not be increased to levels that ordinary citizens cannot afford. While some fines may need to be revised based on international practices, he stressed that the economic condition of citizens should also be considered.
He further called for improvements in the conduct and accountability of traffic police, including measures to address allegations of bribery.
