Monsoon disaster reduction campaign for roads & vehicles launched
Speaking at the inauguration, AIG Karki expressed confidence that the campaign would play a significant role in reducing road and vehicle damage caused by monsoon-induced disasters.
KATHMANDU: A new campaign titled “Road and Vehicle-Focused Monsoon Disaster Risk Reduction Campaign–2083” has been officially launched to minimize road and transport damage caused by monsoon-related disasters in Nepal.
The campaign was inaugurated today from the New Bus Park in Gongabu by the Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office and Additional Inspector General (AIG) Ishwar Karki, in collaboration with the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs and various labor organizations.
Speaking at the inauguration, AIG Karki expressed confidence that the campaign would play a significant role in reducing road and vehicle damage caused by monsoon-induced disasters.
He noted that the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s weather forecasts have become increasingly reliable, urging all stakeholders to follow weather updates while traveling.
He emphasized that drivers, co-drivers, and passengers all share responsibility for implementing weather-based travel precautions to help prevent accidents.
AIG Karki also raised concerns over public transport operations outside the designated New Bus Park area in Gongabu, stating that such practices are creating serious traffic management problems in Kathmandu Valley.
He warned that action will be taken against vehicles operating outside the authorized bus park system. He further informed that preparations are underway to implement an online ticketing system for all public transport services.
The campaign was initiated in response to past fatal accidents in areas such as Simaltal and Jhyaple Khola, according to Punya Prasad Sitaula, President of the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs.
He stated that transport operators, workers, and passengers all share responsibility for implementing the initiative and pledged full commitment from the transport sector to support government efforts.
Sitaula also stressed that all public buses must operate only from properly managed bus parks, including the New Bus Park, which will be operated under Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd.
He further emphasized the importance of good behavior from drivers and conductors toward passengers and suggested promoting local and organic food services during travel.
Representatives from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, road safety experts, and transport labor organizations expressed confidence that the campaign will help reduce accidents through the effective use of modern technology and improved coordination.
Deepak K.C., Chair of the All Nepal Transport Workers Union, highlighted that landslides, floods, and road collapses during monsoon seasons have historically caused major human and material losses, and said the campaign will play a supportive role in reducing such risks.
According to SSP Nawaraj Adhikari, Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the campaign aims to ensure that public vehicles departing from Kathmandu are not affected by monsoon-related hazards.
He announced that passenger assistance desks will be set up at major locations including Gongabu New Bus Park, Kalanki, Nagdhunga, Koteshwor, Jagati, and Balkhu, where passengers will receive awareness materials and safety guidance.
He also stated that CCTV cameras and GPS systems will be installed in public transport vehicles for monitoring purposes.
Mandatory Baggage Tag System for Passengers
As part of the initiative, passengers traveling in public transport will be required to use a “baggage tag” system to reduce incidents of lost, stolen, or exchanged luggage.
An agreement on implementing the system was signed today between SSP Nawaraj Adhikari and Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs President Punya Prasad Sitaula.
The system is scheduled to be made mandatory from May 29.
During the program, individuals who contributed to infrastructure and public service efforts were also honored.
These include Dr. Lok Bahadur Tandon, Chair of Greenland City Hospital, and Pandav Shrestha, Chair of Samakhusi Town Planning Committee, for their support in constructing the building of the Traffic Police Circle, New Bus Park.
The authorities stated that the combined measures aim to make public transport safer, more systematic, and better prepared for monsoon-related risks across Nepal.
