Experts call for immediate action on Nepal's railway development

KATHMANDU: Experts have emphasised the urgent need to advance Nepal's railway development without delay.

During an interaction programme on the 'Roadmap of Railway Development in Nepal', organised by the Nepal Intellectuals' Council (NIC) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, experts underscored the necessity of railway development for the country's long-term welfare, given Nepal's growing population.

Addressing the programme, CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel stated that railway policy should be formulated based on national needs. He stressed the importance of preparing a transport master plan that addresses the development of Nepal's population, the country's needs, and the economy over the next 20 years. Pokharel expressed regret over the lack of a clear policy and criticised the disarray among policymakers and the insufficient discussion between ministries. He highlighted the importance of dialogue and discussion among stakeholders on this issue.

For railway development, Pokharel said, "The ministry should work to create an integrated structure for railway development and management. It is necessary to build and mobilise the necessary manpower." He emphasised the need to proceed immediately with the construction of a metro rail in Kathmandu.

Similarly, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, stated that the railway from Jaynagar to Bardibas is a priority and should be extended to Nijgadh. He mentioned that Nepal's railway should also connect with the Trans-Asian Railway, and that linking the north and south corridors by rail would be effective. Minister Dahal further said, "The KP Sharma Oli-led government has emphasised railways since 2015. There is a problem with compensation in railways. Our plan is to provide compensation and register land in the name of the government." The ministry has decided to revise the 'National Transport Policy 2058' to create an integrated policy compatible with federalism.

At the event, NIC in charge stated that alongside railway policy, there is a need for debate on waterway policy.

NIC Chairperson and Bagmati Province Assembly member Dinesh Chandra Devkota stated that an integrated master plan for transport is necessary and that there should be no delay in building a metro rail in Kathmandu. He stressed the need to form of an autonomous and powerful authority for railway development and called for more studies and research on the matter.

Former Director General of the Department of Railways, Rohit Kumar Bisural, presented a working paper on the history, needs, and roadmap of Nepal's railways. He highlighted the need to enhance connectivity with neighbouring countries China and India and to increase connectivity within Asia.

Commenting on the working paper, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) Secretary Keshab Kumar Sharma said that achieving prosperity without railway development would be difficult. He stated that the development of transport should be part of an integrated plan that includes waterways, railways, airways, and highways. Secretary Sharma emphasised that considering the long-term benefits for the country, Nepal should pursue railway development.

Another commentator, Thakur P Sharma, an expert on railways and President of the Society of Consulting Architectural and Engineering Firms (SCAEF) Nepal, highlighted that the lack of public awareness poses challenges to railway development. He pointed out issues such as geographical difficulties, institutional capacity, human resource development related to railways, mobilisation, management of financial resources, and environmental friendliness.

Former Finance Secretary Lal Shanker Ghimire opined that while railways offer benefits in terms of urbanisation, employment, tourism, environmental friendliness, and rural development, they are economically challenging in Nepal. He emphasised the importance of constructing a railway in Kathmandu first.

The programme also saw participation from experts across various fields, including members of the CPN (UML) Standing Committee, Politburo, and Central Committee, who shared their insights.

The event, chaired by NIC Chair Devkota and General Secretary Gajendra Prasad Thapaliya, concluded with a vote of thanks from Secretary Rishi Khanal.