The Transportation Situation in Kathmandu

Every day the commuter in Kathmandu needs to go through hectic travel to and fro the workplace, college/school, and home. Not only is the travel long, but it is also dangerous. The vehicles are too small to accommodate a large number of passengers and those which are big enough are also too few. The cost paid is also not scientifically fixed, though on the surface it seems to be generally acceptable. 

As a common commuter one needs to make a plan while traveling. It is a blessing to reach your destination on time and without looking like a warrior who has survived a ruthless war. One needs to prepare an hour to reach a destination that can be reached in half. Also, s/he should be mentally and physically prepared. Despite the strict regulations, there are loopholes like the number of passengers or maximum weight a vehicle should not cross. Conductors are encouraged to lie about the seats available and the time one can reach the destination. The right to information is breached. Also, people have to travel in crowded form, especially in the summer it is a living hell. If you are a commuter you will definitely understand the cruel heat and suffering. 

Likewise, the transport agencies are focused more on profit-making. The vehicles are old, small and also are not so reliable. The drivers are mostly young and so are the conductors. Only a few vehicles have very well-experienced personnel. Especially the micro-vans that are so common are always in hurry and are more open to accidents. Due to small roads, there are more traffic-jams than ever mostly in-office time. Furthermore, the taxi-drivers are unwilling to travel on the meter. They prefer to bargain with the client which may seem good but still, s/he will feel a financial pinch nonetheless. 

Furthermore, the traffic lights seem to be replaced by traffic policies. And when they are absent during times there is more road accidents and breaking of traffic rules. Even people who are traveling in zebra crossing are hit by bikes and fast vehicles. Also, the bikers just park without regard to traveling vehicles and commuters on foot.  They are engaged in their mobile or just chatting with their colleagues disregarding the fact that they can park in a more convenient place and do what they need to do. Also, I believe high-speed bikers should be given tickets like in other countries, and also sports bikes or bikes of high mileage should be restricted within the center of the capital. Furthermore, big-public vehicles are to be encouraged and small vehicles used for public transport gradually restricted. For most accidents, traffic rules breach and traffic jams are the result of small but fast vehicles which are as numerous as mushrooms. 

Thus quality in transportation is far more influential than quantity in a small capital like Kathmandu including service focus rather than profit. In long term, these factors play a great role to address all the stakeholders who are engaged in this sector.

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