KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to introduce stricter penalties for activities that damage public roads. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has proposed a new law aimed at curbing unauthorized road excavation and other activities that affect road infrastructure.
Under the draft Public Roads Bill, individuals or organizations that damage public roads without approval could face fines of up to Rs 1 million, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The proposed bill requires prior approval from the road authority before carrying out any work on public roads or within road boundaries. Excavation, construction of infrastructure, land use or any other activity within the road corridor without permission would be prohibited.
Anyone planning work connected to a public road must obtain approval by submitting the project design, drawings and other required documents. The approval will also specify the conditions and timeframe for completing the work.
The draft also proposes fines of up to Rs 1 million for establishing facilities such as petrol and diesel stations, LPG filling stations, EV charging stations, toll plazas, hotels, motels, rest areas, service plazas, garages, driving centers, industries, mines or factories along roads without prior approval.
The same penalty would apply to those constructing or operating any structure or business within road boundaries without approval, or in violation of approved standards. The road authority would have the power to order the immediate removal or closure of such structures. If the owner fails to comply, the authority may remove the structure and recover the associated costs from the responsible party.
The bill also proposes fines of up to Rs 1 million for installing drainage systems, pipelines, electricity poles, cables or other utilities within road areas without permission.
Other proposed penalties include a fine of up to Rs 50,000 for obstructing land acquisition or the posting of legal notices. Damaging or cutting trees within road corridors could attract fines of up to Rs 100,000, depending on the assessed loss.
Owners of freight vehicles operating beyond prescribed axle load limits could face on-the-spot fines of up to Rs 500,000. Vehicles exceeding permitted dimensions or construction equipment that damages road pavement or bridges could be fined up to Rs 100,000.
The bill also proposes fines of up to Rs 5,000 for allowing domestic animals to roam on public roads and up to Rs 100,000 for obstructing the extraction of soil, stone, sand or other construction materials required for road projects.
The draft bill will become law only after it is passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament, authenticated by the President, and published in the Nepal Gazette.
