Road accidents occur almost every day across Nepal. This is not just a matter of bad luck or reckless driving, say transport entrepreneurs. The government, they claim, has failed to act on previous reports and recommendations. Reports on the Simaltal bus accident and the Transport Reform Recommendation Task Force, for instance, have highlighted key issues and suggested remedies, but none have been implemented. As a result, the number of accidents is rising, along with human, social and economic losses. Although the government has promised new laws and policies to address road safety, most of these commitments have remained unfulfilled. The long-promised Road Safety Act, for example, has been pending for years, and recent political changes have only slowed progress further. In the absence of action, the same problems continue to recur on the roads. The situation is not only due to a lack of laws, but also delays and indifference on the part of the authorities. Moreover, Nepal’s terrain—marked by steep hills and narrow roads—combined with landslides and unpredictable weather, demands a higher level of caution.
Well-maintained roads, strict vehicle inspections, trained drivers and effective enforcement of traffic rules are essential to reducing road accidents. However, overloaded buses, poorly maintained vehicles and drivers pushed to exhaustion are still common. Weak enforcement of traffic laws further worsens the situation, making the outcome predictable—more accidents and more loss of lives. The absence of a dedicated road safety law has left agencies with limited capacity. The Transport Management Act attempts to address everything from speed limits to traffic discipline, but it is clearly insufficient. Even the Road Safety and Traffic Branch of the Department of Roads cannot function effectively without a strong legal foundation. Bureaucratic red tape has further delayed progress. The Ministry of Finance’s proposal to merge two bills into one has only prolonged the process. Meanwhile, the police appear to be making efforts. A directive from AIG Ishwar Karki calling for discipline, better traffic management and a service-oriented approach is a welcome step. However, traffic police alone cannot fix a broken system; they cannot manage chaotic traffic with whistles and checkpoints alone.
The crisis of 2020
A high level of coordination is essential to bring meaningful change. The government must prioritise road safety and expedite the passage of pending laws. The police need better resources and clearer authority. The role of the Nepali Army and the Armed Police Force in emergency response, road clearance and rescue operations—especially in remote areas—must not be overlooked. They too require adequate resources to respond effectively. Similarly, local governments must take responsibility for road conditions within their jurisdictions, while transport entrepreneurs must ensure vehicle maintenance and adhere to safety standards. Nepal cannot afford to ignore these challenges. Its difficult geography and substandard infrastructure mean that even minor mistakes can prove fatal. In conclusion, unless roads, vehicles and regulations are properly managed, more lives will be lost. Reports have already provided clear recommendations. The issue is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of political will.
