Parliamentary Committee Members Urge Increased Technology Use and Stricter Vehicle Standards for Road Safety

Kathmandu. Speaking in the parliamentary committee, MPs from various parties have emphasized the need to increase the use of technology to manage road safety and tighten vehicle standards. On Tuesday, during a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives, they suggested the government strengthen road safety by monitoring vehicles, roads, and monsoon-related conditions through technology.

Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Rajunath Pandey stated that the use of technology is now indispensable for road safety. Citing examples from developed countries where traffic police are rarely seen on the roads, he mentioned that using technology in Nepal would also reduce the financial burden on the state. He emphasized that security is not achieved by having traffic police stand on the road all day, but rather by the police conducting 24-hour digital monitoring of the roads and preparing in advance to reduce disaster-related accidents. He said, 'The use of technology must be increased for road safety. Traffic police are not seen on the roads in various countries around the world. If we can increase the use of technology in Nepal, the burden on the state will also be reduced.'

Dhanendra Karki, also an MP from RSP, claimed that accidents are increasing due to the tendency to illegally extend the length of vehicles. He stated that while 12-meter vehicles are imported into Nepal, they are often modified to be up to 16 meters long, and it should not be allowed to extend even an inch beyond what is mentioned in the vehicle's registration book. He said, 'Vehicles of 12 meters are imported into Nepal, but they are operated after being made up to 16 meters. Four meters are added from the chassis to the rear, this needs attention.' He also demanded the removal of the 'slipper' arrangement made for drivers to sleep in vehicles.

In the discussion, Nepali Congress MP Dr. Mo. Firdosh Alam said that although the roads are good, accidents are increasing due to high speeds, and therefore, speed limits should be set and those who violate them should be punished.

RSP MP Shriram Neupane proposed that instead of a fine of fifty thousand rupees for speeding, the license should be revoked or suspended.

CPN UML MP Nita Ghatani demanded that risky roads be identified and alternative routes be built, and that the mandatory provision of two drivers for long-distance vehicles be implemented.

At the meeting, RSP MP Asha Jha drew the government's attention to the fact that the Katahari section of the Hulaki Highway has been left in disarray. Shram Sanskriti Party MP Purnaprasad Limbu said that to prevent driver negligence, training centers should be monitored and the license distribution process should be tightened.

Committee Chairman Ashish Gajurel has instructed the concerned bodies to conduct necessary programs to reduce vehicle accidents.