Kathmandu - A decade after the promulgation of the Constitution, Nepal has witnessed remarkable progress in road infrastructure development, significantly transforming connectivity across the country. Roads have now reached most villages and municipalities, while highways, tunnels, and bridges have expanded the national network, underscoring infrastructure as a backbone for federal stability and economic growth.
According to the Department of Roads, all 77 district headquarters are now connected by road, with 72 of them linked by blacktopped surfaces. Out of Nepal’s total 85,352 kilometers of roads, 67,246 kilometers belong to the local road network-comprising 4,809 kilometers of blacktopped roads, 48,223 kilometers of earthen tracks, and 14,214 kilometers of gravel roads.
Bridge construction has also accelerated, with more than 3,300 completed nationwide, over 1,500 of which were built after the restoration of democracy. The Asian Highway linking 32 countries, east-west corridors, and north-south strategic roads are gradually binding the nation closer together. The 16th periodic plan (FY 2081/82-2085/86) envisions Nepal crossing 100,000 kilometers of total road length, with “strong and resilient infrastructure” set as a national priority.
Annual Road Expansion
Every fiscal year since 2074 B.S. (2017 A.D.), road construction has steadily increased. By FY 2081/82, the total network reached 36,132 kilometers of constructed roads, including over 19,000 kilometers of blacktopped stretches. This marks a consistent rise from just 30,088 kilometers in FY 2074/75.
Highways Under Construction
The federal government is simultaneously constructing 21 highways, including 20 overseen by the Department of Roads and the Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Expressway managed by the Nepal Army. These projects are part of a long-term master plan that aims to ensure paved road access within four hours’ walking distance in the hills and two hours in the Tarai. Among them are three east-west and two north-south corridors listed as national pride projects.
Challenges Remain in Remote Areas
Despite this progress, road connectivity remains elusive for 21 municipalities, where even earthen tracks have yet to reach. Another 18 local levels, including 10 in Karnali, 6 in Sudurpaschim, 2 each in Koshi and Gandaki, and 1 in Bagmati Province, remain fully isolated from the road network due to geographical challenges.
In these regions, essential supplies must still be transported by mules or helicopters, driving up costs for residents. The Department of Local Infrastructure estimates that 447 kilometers of new road tracks are still needed to connect such municipalities, with an additional 2,900 kilometers of existing roads awaiting blacktopping. The financial requirement for these projects is projected at over NPR 1.26 billion.
Looking Ahead
From just 376 kilometers of roads during the Rana regime to nearly 100,000 kilometers envisioned in the coming years, Nepal’s journey in road infrastructure reflects not only engineering progress but also the broader aspirations of federalism, connectivity, and economic transformation.
