KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has emphasized that developing environment-friendly transport systems and infrastructure is a national priority for Nepal.
Addressing the Third International Transport Conference 2025 in Kathmandu today, Minister Dahal underscored Nepal’s commitment to minimizing environmental impacts during the implementation of development projects.
He pledged government support for the promotion of eco-friendly vehicles and sustainable transport solutions.
The conference, organized by the Society of Transport Engineers Nepal, is being held under the theme “Towards Safe, Sustainable, Efficient and Resilient Mobility” and will run until April 13. It aims to gather expert feedback to inform policy development for safe and sustainable transportation.
In his remarks, Minister Dahal stated that Nepal is working to build a transport system that is environmentally sustainable, safe, resilient, accessible to persons with disabilities, user-friendly, and supported by modern technology.
He also highlighted the need to improve urban-rural connectivity and pursue necessary policy and legal reforms to enhance public transportation and road safety. “The government is actively working in this direction,” he said.
The Minister noted that transport infrastructure development has accelerated in recent years.
Currently, three major east-west highways and one highway meeting Asian standards are under simultaneous construction.
Similarly, progress is being made on the North-South Highway and associated corridors, as well as roads of trade and strategic importance.
He further noted that two additional international airports have recently been completed, and Nepal has entered an era of advanced tunnel infrastructure.
“The Nagdhunga Tunnel is expected to be operational within a year, and significant progress has been made on the Siddhababa Tunnel project,” he added.
The construction of the Kathmandu-Terai-Madhes Fast Track is also progressing at pace.
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