‘Road constructions are based on politically driven demands’
The government is currently carrying out a few mega infrastructure projects, including the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track Road and Mid-Hill Highway. These projects, once completed, will have a huge impact on the country’s transport sector and economy. Ramesh Shrestha caught up with Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hridayesh Tripathi about sustainable road development and ongoing big projects. Excerpts:
Of late, roads are being constructed at a fast pace, but they are not sustainable and returns are low. What do you say about this trend?
Roads have always been the first demand for infrastructure development. A lot of progress has been made in the development of road network in the country. However, there is also a negative trend of opening roads, especially in rural areas, neglecting engineering aspects and economic viability. These roads are constructed based on politically driven demands. Therefore, about two-third of the roads opened are not functional. Similarly, there is a trend of constructing roads in low-cost tender basis, compromising quality. There is also a need for revising policies as per the need of time, as land acquisition has emerged as a major problem for road projects.
Land acquisition has emerged as one of the major problems in transport infrastructure development. What is your ministry doing to address this problem?
There are mainly two main reasons behind this problem. First, we are going through a transitional phase, and second is the land acquisition law. There are land acquisition problems in the Kathmandu Terai Fast Track Road, Mid-Hills Highway and railway development project. We are now considering forming a powerful high-level authority that acquires land for infrastructure development projects. We have started talks in this regards. A committee formed for land acquisition for the Fast Track road has also recommended formation of a powerful central authority.
Why is the much talked-about Fast Track project not moving ahead?
We are now concentrating on track opening and land acquisition. We are currently studying whether to build the road under the build-operate-transfer (BOT), build-operate-own-transfer (BOOT) or using the government’s funding. Although it has not been fixed yet, it will be better for the government if it builds the road on its own. Work on project has not been carried out undergoing proper homework. The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has asked to continue the project only after carrying out thorough homework and also include Nepali companies. Therefore, we should look for a model that accommodates Nepali companies as well.
Where is the ambitious railway development heading?
We are just at the preliminary stage of railway development. We are planning to link main transit points with India. We have already set up the Railway Department to look after it and soon its responsibility will be defined. In some places, we have already acquired land. Work on the East West Electric Railway and metro railway in Kathmandu is underway.
Earlier, the government had planned to reintroduce the trolley bus service in Kathmandu. What do you say about the idea of bringing more environmentally friendly vehicles in the Valley?
In the present energy crisis situation, I do not think reintroducing the trolley bus service is a better idea. Talking about the metro railway in the Valley, it is just in its preliminary feasibility study stage. I tell you frankly that the time has not come to adopt eco friendly means of transportation as there is scarcity of electricity in the country. Rather, we should think of building short routes like the Fast-Track Road, travelling through which will lessen fuel consumption and carbon emission. We will also learn from the experts from various countries taking part in the Sustainable Development of Transport System in the Capital to know more about sustainable transport development.
Posted on: 2011-10-21 08:42
Post Your Comment
Today's Paper
The Kantipur in Print
FROM THE PAST 7 DAYS
ENTER KEYWORD OR DATE
FROM THE PAST 7 DAYS
ENTER KEYWORD OR DATE
Abin
All of them discussed the issue. The result was the same...and we have committed to continue discussions on the issue till midnight.
ADVERTISEMENTS
OUR PUBLICATION :
