Driving Nepal's Future: A Balance Between Mobility and Sustainability

The NADA Auto Show is seen by many as an indicator of optimistic economic activity. If people are enthusiastic about purchasing vehicles it must mean that the economy is at some level showing signs of recovery. Until some years ago, owning a vehicle was seen as a status symbol, today it is a necessity, no longer a privilege but a part of daily life. But yes, the type of vehicle you own is even today a statement. There’s a car and bike now which speaks about who you are and what you stand for. While the luxury ladder is hard to climb, and to someone like me probably unnecessary, it holds an aspirational appeal for many. The indulgence of owning a car that is equivalent in price to a middle-class home intrigues me. I do understand the creative appeal for the maker but I often fail to understand the motivation of the collector. Add to that the ecological imprint of owning more. Cars consume energy even before they ever make it to the road. Automobile production leaves a huge footprint with the materials that are used like steel, rubber, glass, plastics, paints, and more. Also, the end of a car’s life doesn’t mark the end of its environmental impact. Plastics, toxic battery acids, and other products stay in the environment, sometimes forever. 
Curious to know how many vehicles are on the roads today globally, I did a Google search and it states that there are 1.475 billion vehicles on earth in 2024.  That’s one car for every 5.5 humans. But here in Nepal as per a 2018 data, there are 3.1 million registered motor vehicles on Nepali roads. With infrastructure and road networks gathering pace, the numbers are certain to increase, but along with it, we will also face an increase in environmental issues. 
Owning a vehicle in Nepal is costly with taxes, fuel, insurance, maintenance and parking; it also often becomes a major household expense when the vehicle is taken on EMI. Where does that leave consumers who are already squeezed by rising costs of living. Ride sharing apps should be encouraged and made safer. If you are in the market to buy a vehicle, ascertain whether you really need one right now, and which brand and model is really right for your needs. Social media images of people and their cars may look great but at what cost. Your mental health is directly aligned to your financial health, figure what’s most important.
EVs are the future tout experts, however what I feel is critical is the need for a transport master plan that looks at sustainable alternatives and efficient and well networked public transportation system that is defined by our collective wellbeing. While vehicle sales and ownership must be encouraged, it must come with a deep sense of responsibility. Mobility can be life changing, it can drive people and countries on the path of prosperity; done right, a greener automotive future would mean a more sustainable future.