Efficient transportation systems are the backbone of a nation's infrastructure, directly impacting economic growth, public safety, and quality of life. In Nepal, however, the state of transportation is marred by critical challenges, particularly in urban areas where rapid urbanization and lack of discipline among road users exacerbate the problem. This article explores these issues with a focus on the Gwarko-Lubhu Road and Gwarko intersection, highlighting the consequences and proposing potential solutions.
The Issue: Lack of Discipline on Roads
1. Gwarko-Lubhu Road: A Case Study
The Gwarko-Lubhu Road was designed as a 4-lane thoroughfare to facilitate smooth traffic flow. However, the intended efficiency of this design is undermined by user behavior:
Roadside Parking: Many drivers use the roadside as a parking space, reducing the effective width of the road and creating bottlenecks.
Lane Indiscipline: Drivers frequently fail to adhere to their designated lanes, leading to chaos, especially at intersections.
Intersection Mismatch: At junctions, mismatched traffic flow disrupts the intended functionality of the lanes, further aggravating congestion.
During an episode of my podcast with Ashish Gajurel, a senior traffic engineer with decades of experience, we discussed these pressing issues and he pointed out in the Engineers Story podcast, 'Lane indiscipline is one of the leading causes of urban congestion in Nepal. Without proper behavior on the roads, even well-designed infrastructure fails to function efficiently.' This highlights the urgency of addressing driver behavior alongside physical road improvements.
He also stated that penalising is not the ultimate solution for this type of problem so we have to focus on awareness and education from primary level education. Undergraduate & graduate level engineering students within this discipline should be enforced to conduct an awareness campaign.
Insights from Ashish Gajurel: Behavioral Discipline is Key
2. Gwarko Overpass: A Band-Aid Solution?
In response to growing traffic at the Gwarko intersection, a one-way overpass is under construction. While it aims to alleviate congestion, the lack of disciplined road usage may render it ineffective or even worsen the situation.
Undisciplined drivers may misuse the overpass, leading to accidents, stalled traffic, and a return to gridlock conditions.
During an episode of my podcast with Er. Amit Sharma Bhusal, senior divisional engineer of Department of Road & the information officer of DoR stated that Gwarko overpass is a very new start of overpass or the fly-over era in Nepal. DoR hopes to reduce the traffic congestion but this is not the ultimate solution for that intersection.
We discussed the design that imposes a significant environmental burden and negatively impacts the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem, as exemplified by the Gwarko overpass design. However, according to him, due to a lack of awareness and user behavior, the Department of Roads (DoR) is not currently considering a flyover, which could potentially improve visibility and enhance the surrounding ecosystem.
Er. Amit Sharma Bhusal: Gwarko Overpass – A Step Forward but Not the Final Answer
Consequences of Poor Transportation Discipline
1. Increased Congestion
The inability to follow traffic rules significantly increases travel time and creates gridlock in high-traffic areas.
2. Accidents and Safety Hazards
Disregard for lane discipline and parking regulations often leads to accidents, posing a severe risk to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
3. Economic Impact
Time lost in traffic congestion translates to economic losses, affecting businesses and the daily lives of commuters.
4. Environmental Degradation
Unnecessary idling and longer travel times contribute to increased emissions, worsening air quality in urban areas.
According to Prof. Dr. Padma Bahadur Shahi, Chairman of Nepal Engineering Council & Past President of SOTEN (Society of Transport Engineers Nepal), who is one of the renowned experts of transportation in our podcast stated that fostering awareness through community-driven initiatives and media platforms, such as podcasts, can play a crucial role in educating road users.
He suggested that 'building roads without addressing user behavior is like building a car without a steering wheel.' This reinforces the idea that discipline is the cornerstone of effective transportation systems.
Prof. Dr. Padma Bahadur Shahi: The Role of Community Awareness
Proposed Solutions
1. Strict Traffic Law Enforcement
Fines for Violations: Introduce heavy penalties for illegal parking, lane violations, and other infractions.
Use of Technology: Install CCTV cameras and automated ticketing systems to monitor and penalize violators effectively.
2. Infrastructure Optimization
Dedicated Parking Spaces: Construct designated parking areas along the Gwarko-Lubhu corridor to discourage roadside parking.
Smart Signaling: Introduce adaptive traffic signals at intersections to manage flow more effectively.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns
Educating road users about the importance of discipline is key to long-term solutions. Awareness programs can be run through various media platforms, including engineering podcasts, which have the potential to reach a targeted audience and discuss solutions with experts.
4. Engineering Innovations
Road Markings and Signages: Clear lane markings and direction boards can guide users, minimizing confusion.
Pedestrian Management: Build overhead bridges or underpasses to separate pedestrian movement from vehicular traffic.
5. Promoting Discipline and Accountability
Driver Training Programs: Mandate refresher courses for drivers to emphasize lane discipline and traffic rules.
Community Involvement: Involve local communities in monitoring and reporting undisciplined behavior.
In discussing the challenges of Nepal's transportation system, Er. Hemant Tiwari, General Secretary of the Society of Transportation Engineers Nepal (SOTEN) and consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), emphasized the critical role of government support in addressing infrastructure gaps.
"The lack of adequate budget allocation for essential safety measures, such as barriers and signaling systems, is a fundamental issue in Nepal's transportation network," said Er. Tiwari during an episode of the Engineers Story podcast.
"Without proper infrastructure in place, any awareness campaign or enforcement initiative becomes ineffective. The change must start from the higher level, with authorities prioritizing budget allocation and policy support to create a safer and more efficient transportation environment."
He further highlighted that infrastructure and user awareness go hand in hand. "Well-designed infrastructure can act as a catalyst for promoting disciplined behavior among road users. However, in the absence of proper facilities, such as clear signals and safety barriers, achieving any significant change becomes nearly impossible," he added.
This perspective underscores the need for a top-down approach to transportation reform in Nepal, where policymakers allocate adequate resources for infrastructure development. By doing so, they can provide a foundation for successful awareness campaigns and enforce discipline effectively.
Er. Hemant Tiwari: Budget Allocation and Policy Change
A Call for Discipline and Awareness
Ultimately, no infrastructure solution can succeed without disciplined users. The Gwarko-Lubhu Road and the Gwarko intersection overpass highlight the necessity of behavioral change among drivers and pedestrians. Engineering podcasts, such as Engineers Story, can serve as platforms to discuss these issues, create awareness, and inspire collective action. By involving engineers, policymakers, and the public in open dialogue, we can work towards a disciplined and efficient transportation system in Nepal.
Conclusion:
Nepal's transportation challenges require a multipronged approach, combining stricter enforcement, innovative infrastructure, and public education. However, the key lies in fostering a culture of discipline and responsibility among road users. Only then can we hope to transform our roads into safe, efficient, and sustainable spaces for everyone.
