Kathmandu Valley’s roads have tragically become synonymous with danger, turning into veritable death traps for residents and visitors alike. With ditches and potholes omnipresent, the risk of accidents looms large over every commute. Despite speed limits being enforced, the disrepair and hazards make even cautious driving perilous. At the root of this crisis is poor road maintenance compounded by a lack of coordination among various government bodies.
The dire state of Kathmandu’s roads is primarily due to chronic neglect. Potholes and ditches are commonplace, posing serious threats to all types of commuters. The failure to maintain roads properly not only increases the likelihood of accidents but also exacerbates the damage over time, creating a cycle of degradation that becomes increasingly difficult to break. On roads fraught with such dangers, even the 50 km per hour speed limit seems excessively high, as navigating the uneven surfaces often requires drivers to proceed much more slowly to avoid mishaps.
A significant contributor to the problem is the absence of cooperation among the city’s various departments. The water, cable, and drainage departments often operate in isolation, digging up roads without any coordinated plan. This lack of synchronization leads to newly paved roads being excavated repeatedly, leaving them in a constant state of disrepair. The inefficiency not only wastes resources but also perpetuates the dangerous conditions on the roads.
Parking on the roadsides further complicates the situation. Vehicles parked indiscriminately reduce the available space for moving traffic, causing congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. Stray dogs roaming the streets add another layer of unpredictability, often causing sudden stops and swerves that can lead to collisions. Additionally, pedestrians contribute to the chaos by crossing roads haphazardly rather than using designated zebra crossings, further disrupting traffic flow and creating hazardous conditions.
Solving these issues requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Firstly, the government must prioritize the regular and rigorous maintenance of roads. Promptly filling ditches and repairing potholes is essential to ensure safer travel conditions. Additionally, enforcing high-quality standards in road construction can help prevent the rapid deterioration that currently plagues Kathmandu’s streets.
A unified infrastructure plan must be implemented to foster coordination among the water, cable, and drainage departments. By working together, these departments can minimize redundant and disruptive roadwork, ensuring that newly paved roads are not immediately dug up again. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the roads and ensuring their longevity.
Strict enforcement of parking regulations is also necessary. Designated parking areas should be established, and illegal parking must be penalized to keep roads clear for traffic. Addressing the issue of stray animals through humane management and sheltering can significantly reduce road hazards, preventing sudden disruptions in traffic flow.
Public education is equally important to foster disciplined pedestrian behavior. Awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of using zebra crossings can help inculcate safer habits among walkers, reducing the unpredictability that currently plagues the streets.
Ultimately, the responsibility for road safety lies with both government authorities and the public. A concerted effort toward better infrastructure, stricter regulations, and public cooperation can transform Kathmandu’s roads from perilous passages into safe thoroughfares. By working together, we can save countless lives and vastly improve the quality of life in the valley. It is time for both the government and the citizens of Kathmandu to take collective action and turn this vision into reality.
