Experts Discuss Nepal's Infrastructure Development Challenges and Future Roadmap in Ratopati Roundtable
Summary
Nepal faces significant challenges in infrastructure development including inconsistent government priorities, coordination issues, environmental considerations, and delayed project completions. Experts emphasize the need for integrated planning and sustainable development approaches to improve national infrastructure.
Key Points
- Nepal has expanded its road network to about 100,000 kilometers but only 14-15 thousand kilometers are blacktopped, needing upgrades for all-weather transportation.
- Lack of consistent government policy and coordination among agencies causes delays and inefficiencies in infrastructure project implementation.
- Environmental concerns are balanced with development, with the Ministry of Forests supporting sustainable infrastructure practices rather than opposing development outright.
- Political influence, inadequate budgeting, and policy discontinuity heavily impact the timely completion and quality of infrastructure projects in Nepal.
