New Kathmandu transport master plan proposes metro rail linking Ratna Park and Bhaktapur

Nepal's government has unveiled a new 25-year master plan to overhaul the Kathmandu Valley's transport infrastructure and urban mobility system. The blueprint, developed with technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to address rapid urban growth and manage projected population increases.

This marks the fourth comprehensive transport master plan for the Valley, with previous studies conducted in 1993, 2012, and 2017. Officials are optimistic that this latest report will gain Cabinet approval and guide transport development until 2050. The plan anticipates the Valley's population reaching 4.3 million by mid-century, outlining strategies for new urban expansion areas, traffic demand forecasting, shifts in transport modes, dedicated mass transit corridors, tunnel construction, junction improvements, and reforms to public bus services.

However, the plan's presentation on Thursday highlighted significant coordination challenges, particularly concerning the Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway. Officials acknowledged a lack of alignment between government bodies, JICA experts, and the Nepali Army, which is responsible for the expressway's construction, specifically regarding its starting point and other technical details.

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Construction of the expressway is being carried out by the Nepali Army. We formally sent a letter seeking discussions on future traffic demand and planning during the study, but we did not receive any response.

Hideo Tsuji, head of JICA's expert team, stated that consultants had formally requested discussions with the Nepali Army about projected traffic demand and future planning for the expressway but received no response. He estimated the expressway would carry around 27,000 passenger car units daily by 2045, a volume he believes the four-lane highway can accommodate.

Arjun Jung Thapa, a member of the National Planning Commission, confirmed coordination issues had arisen during the master plan's preparation, noting the expressway would begin at the Chobhar dry port. Despite the Army seeking an extension for the expressway's completion from 2027 to 2030, Thapa expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable solution would be reached soon, emphasizing ongoing efforts to coordinate and provide support.

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Although the Army has been moving ahead in its own way, we are trying to coordinate and provide the necessary support. We are optimistic that this issue will be resolved through a fair, win-win agreement.