Minister Ghising Holds Meeting on Festival Transport Management and Road Safety
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, on Saturday held a comprehensive discussion with key stakeholders regarding transport management and road safety during the upcoming festival season.
The meeting included the Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Director Generals of the Departments of Transport Management and Roads, officials from Nepal Police, and representatives from the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs.
Minister Ghising directed that passengers be provided with 24-hour updates on road conditions and a system be put in place for rapid restoration of roads in case of blockages caused by landslides or other hazards.
Key Decisions from the Meeting:
- Nagdhunga–Sisneri Tunnel Road:
Public passenger vehicles leaving the Kathmandu Valley will be routed through the tunnel. Post-Dashain discussions will be held with stakeholders to possibly allow further vehicle entry through the tunnel.
2. Security Management:
The Ministry of Home Affairs will be requested to instruct Nepal Police to increase patrolling and deploy additional personnel at the New Bus Park and along key highways nationwide.
3. Operation of Heavy Cargo Vehicles:
To prioritize passenger vehicles and account for fragile road conditions, heavy cargo vehicles (12-wheelers and above) will face temporary restrictions along the Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayanghat road during Dashain. Continuous movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, such as food grains, will be ensured.
4. Road Upgradation and Improvement:
Main roads will be maintained in good condition, with disaster risk management for landslides. Two-way traffic will operate 24 hours on the Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayanghat road. Landslide blockages at Tuin Khola (Narayanghat–Muglin section) will be cleared immediately, and necessary works on the Tatopani checkpoint road will be completed before Dashain.
5. Public Advisory:
Travelers are advised to consider weather conditions and road status before embarking on journeys.
6. Guidelines for Public Vehicles:
The Department of Transport Management will submit procedures and directives aimed at making public vehicles safer and more technology-friendly.
7. 24-Hour Control Room:
The Department of Roads will establish a 24-hour operational control room, including designated focal persons, to monitor and manage road conditions and safety nationwide.
