Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal Outlines Legal and Structural Reforms for Road Safety

Kathmandu. Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal has stated that the government has initiated the process of legal and structural reform to reduce accidents caused by the condition of roads. Responding to questions raised by MPs during Tuesday's House of Representatives meeting, Minister Lamsal clarified the government's stance on road safety, budget allocation, and future infrastructure plans. Minister Lamsal presented data from the past five years, informing that 2,788 accidents occurred due to poor road conditions and 422 due to weather. Claiming that physical infrastructure development plans are determined not just on demand but also on data and necessity, Minister Lamsal stated that the upcoming budget includes a plan to expand roads connecting municipalities and district headquarters to two lanes. He mentioned that the process of amending existing laws and regulations is underway for this purpose. Speaking about infrastructure development in Karnali Province, Minister Lamsal clarified that the largest budget has been allocated to that region because of the limited road network in the remote areas. Similarly, discussing the operation of a metro rail in Kathmandu, he informed that it is a long-term project involving private sector investment, with no direct government investment. Speaking at the meeting, he said, 'Although we may not be able to solve all problems immediately, we have increased monitoring in sensitive areas through the Disaster Management Authority and the ministry.' He clarified that to ensure the safety of citizens' lives, roads that are highly risky and prone to floods and landslides will be closed during the rainy season to ensure safety. Elaborating on the plans, he added, 'We need to make plans looking not just 10 years ahead, but 50 to 100 years into the future. It is the state's obligation to determine and protect the right of way for railways and national highways like the Mid-Hills Highway.' Minister Lamsal emphasized the need to create a master plan for infrastructure keeping in mind the generations 100 years from now. He mentioned that although this may cause some inconvenience to the citizens, it is essential for the future. Speaking on administrative reforms, Minister Lamsal stated that some impractical provisions related to the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority will be amended. He pledged to end the situation where employees have to bear the burden of errors made by construction entrepreneurs and to provide incentives for employees with excellent performance. Urging all parties, including construction entrepreneurs, consultants, and service recipients, not to offer or accept any extra money to reduce corruption, Minister Lamsal called for direct complaints to the ministry if there are payment issues. Minister Lamsal appealed to all parties to unite and move forward for the country's prosperity, stating that the government is committed to working differently.