Kathmandu, September 26

In an official visit to Nepal, World Bank Vice-president for South Asia Hartwig Schafer and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt have underscored the urgency of action on road safety to save lives.

Schafer and Todt met Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth and senior officials at the ministry today. The meeting deliberated on Nepal’s road safety, drafting of the Road Safety Bill, formation of the National Road Safety Council, and Road Safety Action Plan, read a press release issued by the World Bank Nepal, country office.

“We are encouraged by the commitment of Nepal to address road safety issues,” said Schafer. Nepal has one of the highest rates of death in road accidents in South Asia with roughly 16 deaths per 100,000 people a year. While Nepal firms up its legislation and institutional frameworks to ensure road safety, implementation will be key to bring to fruition the country’s commitment towards safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems.

“I appreciate the government’s efforts to update the National Road Safety Plan with clear targets, complemented by a strong road safety agency. I look forward to our further joint efforts,” Todt said.