september 27-2025. As Nepal continues to develop and modernize, the need for efficient transportation infrastructure becomes increasingly critical.
The recent discussions surrounding the construction of a highway connecting Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan merit a reevaluation in favor of a railway system.Investing in a railway network could transform the nation’s transport landscape, offering numerous advantages over traditional highways.
1. Accessibility for All Citizens
A railway system provides an inclusive mode of transportation that can be accessed by all citizens, regardless of their economic status. While highways primarily benefit those who can afford personal vehicles, a train system offers an affordable alternative for the general populace. This democratization of transport is vital in a country like Nepal, where many citizens rely on public transportation for their daily commute and travel needs.
2. Cost-Effective and Efficient Goods Transport
The advantages of railways extend beyond passenger transport; they are also crucial for the efficient movement of goods. Trains can carry large quantities of cargo at a fraction of the cost of road transport.This efficiency not only reduces the cost of goods for consumers but also supports local businesses and industries by providing them with a reliable and economical means of transporting their products. Given Nepal’s diverse agricultural and manufacturing sectors, a robust railway network could significantly bolster economic growth.
3. Leveraging Nepal’s Energy Resources
Nepal is blessed with abundant hydropower resources, which can be harnessed to power a railway system. Utilizing our cheap and renewable electricity to operate trains not only aligns with sustainable development goals but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This approach could position Nepal as a leader in green transport solutions in the region, showcasing our commitment to sustainability while addressing climate change challenges.
4. Supporting Tourism and Regional Development
The proposed railway would not only facilitate easier travel between major tourist destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, but it would also enhance the overall tourism experience. A scenic train journey through Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes would attract both local and international tourists, fostering regional development and creating jobs in hospitality and tourism-related sectors.
5. Long-Term Economic Benefits
While the initial investment in railway infrastructure may seem daunting, the longterm economic benefits far outweigh the costs. A well-planned railway network could stimulate job creation, enhance trade, and boost overall economic productivity. By prioritizing rail over highways, Nepal can lay the groundwork for sustainable economic development that benefits all citizens.
Conclusion: A Forward-Thinking Approach
In conclusion, the decision to invest in a railway system connecting Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan is a forward-thinking approach that can transform Nepal’s transportation landscape. It promotes accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring that all citizens can benefit from modern transport solutions. As discussions progress, I urge stakeholders to consider the far-reaching implications of a railway network and prioritize this initiative for the betterment of our nation.
Sincerely,
Roger DE GROEN
consul@nepal-consulat.be
roger@green-lotus.eu
Former Honorary consul of Nepal in Belgium
काठमाडौं, ११ असाेज । नेपालका पूर्व मानार्थ महावाणिज्यदूत (बेल्जियम) रोजर डे ग्रोएनले नेपाललाई दिगो, हरित र सर्वसुलभ यातायात प्रणालीतर्फ अघि बढाउन राजमार्गभन्दा रेलमार्ग निर्माणमा ध्यान दिनुपर्ने सुझाव दिएका छन्।
हाल काठमाडौं, पोखरा र चितवनलाई जोड्ने राजमार्ग निर्माणबारे चलिरहेको छलफलप्रति उनले पुनर्विचार गरी त्यसको विकल्पका रूपमा रेलवे सञ्जालमा लगानी गर्नुपर्ने आवश्यकता औंल्याएका छन्। उनले रेलमार्गले नेपालको भविष्यलाई रूपान्तरण गर्ने पाँच प्रमुख आधारहरू प्रस्तुत गरेका छन्।
१. सबै नागरिकका लागि पहुँच
उनका अनुसार रेलमार्ग समावेशी यातायातको माध्यम हो, जसलाई धनी–गरिब, सहर–गाउँ सबैले सजिलै उपयोग गर्न सक्छन्। व्यक्तिगत सवारीसाधन किन्न सक्नेहरूलाई मात्र होइन, सार्वजनिक यातायातमा भर पर्नेलाई समेत सहज र किफायती विकल्प दिने भएकाले यो लोकतान्त्रिक परिवहन प्रणाली हो।
२. सस्तो र प्रभावकारी सामान ढुवानी
डे ग्रोएनले रेलमार्गले यात्रु मात्र नभई सामान ढुवानीमा पनि ठूलो योगदान दिने बताएका छन्। रेलमार्फत ठूलो परिमाणमा सामान सस्तो दरमा र छिटो ढुवानी गर्न सकिने भएकाले यसले उपभोक्ताको लागत घटाउने र कृषक तथा उद्योग व्यवसायीलाई पनि लाभ पुर्याउने उनको भनाइ छ।
३. ऊर्जा स्रोतको उपयोग
नेपाल जलविद्युत् स्रोतले धनी भएको देश भएकाले रेल सञ्चालनमा स्वदेशी नवीकरणीय ऊर्जाको प्रयोग गर्न सकिने उनले औंल्याए। यसरी दिगो ऊर्जाको उपयोगबाट प्रदूषण न्यूनीकरणसँगै नेपालले हरित यातायातको क्षेत्रमै अग्रणी बन्न सक्ने उनको विश्वास छ।
४. पर्यटन र क्षेत्रीय विकासमा योगदान
रेलमार्ग काठमाडौं–पोखरा–चितवन जोडिँदा प्रमुख पर्यटन स्थलहरूबीच यात्रा सहज हुने र पर्यटकका लागि नयाँ अनुभव उपलब्ध हुने उनले बताए। रमणीय दृश्यावलोकनसहितको रेल यात्रा आन्तरिक तथा बाह्य दुवै पर्यटकलाई आकर्षित गर्ने भएकाले यसले होटल, रेष्टुरेन्ट, गाइड, यातायातलगायत क्षेत्रमा रोजगारी र आयआर्जन बढाउने उनको भनाइ छ।
५. दीर्घकालीन आर्थिक लाभ
यद्यपि सुरुवाती चरणमा रेलमार्ग निर्माणमा ठूलो लगानी आवश्यक पर्ने भए पनि दीर्घकालीन रूपमा यसले रोजगारी सिर्जना, व्यापार वृद्धि र कुल अर्थतन्त्रलाई बलियो बनाउन मद्दत गर्ने उनले उल्लेख गरे।
डे ग्रोएनले नेपालले भविष्यलाई दृष्टिगत गरी दिगो र वातावरणमैत्री यातायात प्रणाली रोज्नुपर्नेमा जोड दिँदै, “रेलमार्गलाई प्राथमिकतामा राखेर मात्र नेपालले दीर्घकालीन आर्थिक विकास र नागरिकहित सुनिश्चित गर्न सक्छ,” भनेका छन्।
