Nepal is facing a road safety crisis. A recent WHO report reveals that Nepal has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in South Asia, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive national strategy to address the issue. Released in New Delhi, the report highlights significant shortcomings in the government’s efforts to meet United Nations road safety goals, emphasizing the need for immediate action to reverse the trend.
Alarming Fatalities, Yet Limited Progress
Nepal’s road traffic fatalities have sharply increased, from 6,800 in 2011 to an estimated 8,500 in 2021, making it one of the most dangerous countries in South Asia, with 28.2 deaths per 100,000 people. Vulnerable road users—especially two-wheeler riders, pedestrians, and cyclists—make up the majority of these casualties, with pedestrians and cyclists alone representing over 25% of the fatalities.
This troubling rise continues despite Nepal’s pledge to halve road traffic deaths by 2030, under UN road safety initiatives. Although the country has signed key international conventions, progress remains stalled due to the absence of a national road safety strategy, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and poor safety standardsmeasures to manage the outbreak.
The lack of a national road safety strategy and weak law enforcement contribute significantly to the crisis.
Vulnerable road users, including two-wheeler riders, pedestrians, and cyclists, account for the majority of casualties.
Government efforts, including new laws and identification of high-risk areas, are progressing slowly.
WHO and experts stress the need for coordinated action, stronger law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.
Critical Gaps in Road Safety Infrastructure and Vehicle Standards
Nepal’s road safety framework is inadequate, with critical gaps in infrastructure and vehicle regulations. Although technical standards for road construction have improved, a legal framework to enforce safety measures for new roads is absent. Speed limits are applied inconsistently, covering only certain areas, such as residential zones and national parks, while highways and urban roads remain largely unregulated.
Vehicle safety standards are also poorly enforced. Although helmets are mandatory for two-wheeler drivers, passengers are exempt from this requirement, increasing their vulnerability in accidents. Furthermore, no regulations ensure that newly sold or resold vehicles meet global safety standards, putting road users at greater risk.
Government Acknowledgement, Challenges, and Emergency Response
Government officials acknowledge that systemic issues—such as poorly designed roads, lack of coordination between governance levels, and low public awareness of traffic regulations—are key contributors to the rise in road traffic fatalities. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is drafting a Road Safety Act and new Transport Policy, but progress is hindered by resource constraints and limited enforcement capacity.
While the government has identified high-risk areas, such as dangerous stretches of the East-West Highway, and initiated some improvements, these efforts are undermined by the lack of a comprehensive action plan or supporting laws. Post accident response systems are also inadequate, with victims often failing to receive timely medical assistance, as bystanders hesitate to intervene for fear of legal consequences. Strengthening emergency response mechanisms and addressing systemic gaps are crucial to reducing preventable deaths.
Urgent Recommendations from WHO and Experts
WHO calls road safety an urgent public health issue, requiring immediate, high-impact interventions. Dr. Rajesh Pandav, WHO’s representative in Nepal, stresses the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, particularly concerning driving under the influence and helmet use for both drivers and passengers.
Experts like Pushpa Pant warn that the crisis could burden families financially and harm Nepal’s tourism industry. Official statistics show that approximately 95,000 people were injured in road accidents in 2021, underscoring the devastating scale of the problem.
Conclusion
The WHO report calls on Nepal to treat road safety as a national priority. Immediate actions—stricter traffic law enforcement, improved infrastructure, and robust public awareness campaigns—are crucial to saving lives and protecting Nepal’s international standing.
Savyata Adhikari is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.