Because of geographical complexity, current settlement pattern and slower development process, people from some parts of a country are struggling to achieve the minimum access to the services and economic activities. In some places of the country urbanization is so rapid which has given rise to the increasing income resulting the requirement of more speedy and reliable transport system.
Since transport is the “infrastructure” of the infrastructures it needs due attention for the rapid economic growth. In the early stage of transport development government of Nepal focused on connecting the boarders of neighboring country with India and China. Later east west highway was constructed. In the 10th plan (2002-2007), the target of connecting all the district headquarters by road was taken.
Road network dominates the national level transport. But there are some remote places in Nepal where air transport in only one option for transportation besides walking. Recent ongoing transport projects in Nepal are Kathmandu-Terai Fast-Track (KTFT), Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel (KKHT) highway under the public private partnership (PPP) policy.
Since 1959, public transport service was started in Kathmandu Valley, different capacity of vehicles namely Tempo, Mirco Bus, Mini Bus, and large bus are in operation in Valley’s road.
One of the major public health issues in Kathmandu valley is air pollution caused by vehicular emissions. There is 1600 premature death annually due to air pollution MoEP (2005). The causes of emission of pollutant are old vehicles, poor quality of fuel and inefficient engines. The pollution is also caused due to the road widening works and delay in construction by causing pollution by dust in dry and mud in rainy season in many roads of Kathmandu.
Characteristics of developing country like Nepal differ from the developed country since transport development is in primary stage. Many placed are not even connected by earthen roads. Only means of transport for the remote area is walking.
As government of Nepal identified 15 sectors for the investment to graduate the country’s economic status from least developed to developing country by 2022, transport is one of them (GON, 2014a).
So In order to address the issues discussed about sustainable development in Nepal, Certain strategies should be made. Those strategies should overcome the challenges and best utilize the opportunities. Investment in transport infrastructure should be significantly increased to speed up economic growth. So high speed railway would be an option for the agglomeration of economies. In addition, better connect to the local city with major urban hub, focus on sustainable mode like electric railways, trolley bus in local cities and provision of efficient and reliable public transport system should be a policy guidelines.
The basic element of sustainable transport system is the best use of infrastructure and technology. For this it is important to make a sustainable transport policy and translate into achievable action plan with the efficient integration of infrastructure and services. Nepal should also approach for the new transportation technology. New technology such as railway or even High-Speed Rail (HSR) can directly contribute to low carbon transport, and also regional development effects.
The source for funding and financing for transport infrastructure development is largely from annual budget allocation and from grants and loans. So in future, other sources, such as private sector financing, value capture (through property tax or other means), additional fuel tax and vehicle tax for earmarked transport fund, should be explored.
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