SONEUK Webinar Discusses Urban Transport Challenges and Opportunities in Nepal

London – The Society of Nepalese Engineers UK (SONEUK), in collaboration with the Society of Transport Engineers Nepal (SOTEN), successfully held its fourth webinar in the “SONEUK Webinar Series” under the title Urban Transportation: International Case Studies and Potential Opportunities in the Context of Nepal.

Presented by seasoned transport professional Er Prem Lamsal and moderated by Dr Birendra Shrestha, the session drew active participation from engineers and transport experts across the UK, USA, and Nepal.

The over three-hour webinar addressed major issues in Nepal’s urban transportation landscape, including road safety—with a current fatality rate of 13 people per day—growing traffic congestion due to a surge in vehicle numbers, and the severe health and environmental impact of air pollution.

The discussion also explored potential solutions and opportunities for improving urban transport systems in Nepal. More than 15 questions and concerns were addressed by Er Lamsal, with thoughtful engagement from a wide range of professionals including Dr Birendra Shrestha, Er Subodh Timilsina, Dr Hare Ram Shrestha, Dr Parth Parajuli, Dr Surya Nath Ghimire, Er Shailendra Kaji Shrestha, Er Suman Chalise, and Er Basudev Sahkota.

Key recommendations included prioritising improvements in pedestrian infrastructure, upgrading road intersections to manage traffic flow, enhancing the public transport system with dedicated bus lanes, planning and developing cycle lanes, and adopting a Safe System approach to road safety—making Road Safety Audits mandatory.

In his closing remarks, SOTEN President Dr Hare Ram Shrestha thanked Er Prem Lamsal for his insightful presentation and Dr Birendra Shrestha for effectively moderating the session. He also acknowledged SONEUK’s valuable collaboration in making the event a success.

Er Subodh Timilsina extended his appreciation to all contributors and participants for their active engagement. He reaffirmed SONEUK’s commitment to advancing the session’s recommendations to improve Nepal’s urban transport system.