Introduction

The traffic control department located in Sinha Durbar is responsible for the overall traffic
management in the Kathmandu valley. It is also the central department for the coordination and
deployment of the overall traffic policies in the country. Our reason for choosing this institution
was that it could provide us with the necessary data and insights regarding the overall traffic
management situation in the country. Likewise it would also provide us with the ways and means
these problems could be overcome or the practices being followed to mitigate them.
Methodology
The methodology we have applied for gathering the information is through direct open ended
conversation with a traffic personnel. In the same regard we have also gathered secondary
information from the web. These information come in the form of opinions, recommendations,
suggestions and policies enacted. Meanwhile we have also taken care not to neglect the opinion
of the general public who have their own say on the situation presented.
Restraining forces
Increased number of vehicles -4
Nepal now witnesses heavy growth in the use of vehicles. A total of 12,80,690 vehicles were
registered with the Department of Transport and Management in the fiscal year 069/070. The
figure for vehicle registration was only 11,78,911 in the fiscal year 068/069 and 1015271 in the
fiscal year 067/068. We can therefore see the increase in the number of vehicle registration by
16.11 % and 8.63% in the fiscal year 068/069 and 069/070 respectively. Thus there has been
continuous growth in the number of vehicles each year in Nepal. As the vehicles increase, the
roads do not increase likewise. It therefore leads to increased congestion with more vehicle
flowing per square kilometer than ever before.

Unplanned urbanization- 5
The major cities in Nepal like Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Pokhara, Birgunj are subjected to
unplanned urbanizations. These have led to shrinking of the available land mass without room
for much development effort. In the process the roads, temple complexes and other public
infrastructures have been encroached. The development of these cities are themselves not
systematic with construction permits being issued without considering the societal and
environment impacts of such developments. Moreover piling of construction materials by the
roadside, setting up shops by street vendors and hawkers is a common sight which affects
movement of traffic.

Lack of knowledge about traffic rules/ignorance- 4
Given the dire situation of traffic especially in cities like Kathmandu, accidents are far too
common. The traffic control departments reports incidents of accidents by the thousands each
year among which the amount of fatal ones are on serious rise. Most of such accidents can be
attributed to lack of knowledge of traffic rules or deliberate ignorance. On the other hand, lack of
proper roads and signals to accompany them lots of accidents occur.

Lack of government budget/cost - 1
The government budget is basically expended in education and health sectors of Nepal. Although
a significant amount is allocated for development of transport most of them get expended in
expansion activities with a few minor repairs. This has not been sufficient in the construction of
a well planned and organized transport grid especially in major cities like Kathmandu. Moreover
because of frequent political turmoil the development activities get stranded for a significant
period of time.

Corruption 3
The major reason for the slow development of transport sector in Nepal can be owed to increased
corruption and bureaucracy in the country. Most of the allocated budget is subject to
embezzlement by the authorities. They resort to cheap materials and contractors and sloppy work
that leads to tremendous financial drains for the countrys economy. In such a situation the
country tends to seek foreign aids in the undertaking of major commercial road development
projects.

Resistance from the public- 1
In most cases the development efforts are hindered by public resistance. In the absence of proper
evacuation and rehabilitation plans and shortsightedness on the part of the government has been
met with increased resistance from the public.

Pushing Forces
Shortened travel times- 3
Good roads and transit systems would save commuters lots of valuable time. Congestion tends to
waste lots of peoples time in traffic. Thus with good traffic management systems there would be
less congestion and stopping times, along with proper mitigation for accident cases which would
reduce travel time significantly.
Improved traffic flow/ Fuel savings- 5
Open roads and free flowing traffic leads to less stopping and thus saving lots of precious fuel.
There are other obvious benefits that free flowing traffic could also provide. They would be
proper pick up and drop off locations for buses, following lane discipline and clearer road
regulations.
Less number of accidents- 1
When there are vehicles flowing more smoothly following the necessary lane discipline which is
easier to maintain in a well managed traffic system, there would be a significant reduction in the
number of accidents that occur.
Better utilization of available traffic manpower- 2
Compared to highly congested traffic where lots of traffic manpower have to be deployed to take
care of aggravated situations in a well managed system most of the traffic would be under
control with the help of automated signals and traffic control departments. When traffic systems
reach that level of organization most of the traffic personnel can be deployed to take care of
other important activities. Therefore rather than fighting fires every day the traffic control
department can focus on building the efficiency of the traffic system.
Lane Discipline is easy to enforce- 2
Lane discipline would be easy to enforce in a well managed traffic system. The roads, the signals
and the laws have to be clearly specified for such a system to be effectively implemented.
Ease and safety of pedestrians - 3
A well managed traffic system is incomplete unless the safety and convenience of pedestrians are
well taken care of. Safe overhead, subway crossings, zebra crossings and proper roadside
sidewalks should be made available for pedestrians.


5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
Restraining Forces
Pushing Forces
Increased
number of
vehicles

Corruption

Cost
Knowledge/
ignorance of
traffic rules
Unplanned
Urbanization

Shortened
travel time


Fuel Savings
Less
Accidents
Lane
Discipline

Better Utilization
of manpower
Resistance
Safety of
Pedestrians

Desired
State
Actual
State