Roads are the predominant mode of transport in Nepal. The road network of Nepal is categorized into the strategic road network (SRN), which comprises highways and feeder roads, and the local road network (LRN), comprising district roads and Urban roads. Nepal’s road network consists of about 64,500 km of roads. Of these, about 14,913 km belong to the SRN, the core network of national highways and feeder roads connecting district headquarters.  

 

The network density is low, at 14 km per 100 km2 and 0.9 km per 1,000 people. 60% of the road network is concentrated in the lowland (Terai) areas. A Department of Roads (DoR) survey shows that 50% of the population of the hill areas still must walk two hours to reach an SRN road.  

(Source: Sector Assessment (Summary): Road Transport) 

 

 (Picture: Statistics of National Highway) 

 

National Highways in Nepal 

S.No	National  Highway No.	Name of National Highway	Listed Length  (Km)	Provinces
				Koshi	Madhes	Bagmati	Gandaki	Lumbini	Karnali	Sudurpashchim
1	NH01	Existing East-West Highway	1,028	135	245	92	23	403		130
2	NH02	Kechana-Chandragadhi-Charali-llam-Phidim, Ganeshchok-Taplejung-Olanchungola (Mechi Ragman,)	352	352
3	NH03	Pushpalal Mid Hill Highway	1,787	525		270	360	65	305	262
4	NH04	Birtamod-Chandragadi-Bhadrapur-Mechi Pul	15	15
5	NH05	Postal Highway	1,016	124	310	55	12	360		155
6	NH06	Chatara-Mulghat-Majhita,Arnarapurdancla-Ganeshchok (Tamor Corridor)	135	135
7	NH07	Pakall-Nays Koshipul-Rupnagar, Pakall-Nadaha Koshipul Chatara	66	48	18
8	NH08	Rani-Biratnagar-Itahari-Dharan-Dhankuta-Hite, Leguwaghat-Tumlingtar-Kha ndbari-NumKimathanka (Koshi Rajmarg)	320	320
9	NH09	Bahundangi-Shantinagar-Dharan-Chatara-Ghaighat-Katah Sindhulimach-Hetauda-Gaidakot- Rarnpur-RamdkRidi-Balkot-Sandhikharka-Bijuwar-Sitalpati-Surkhet-Baddichaur-Sahajpur-BudarJoglaudha-Rupal (Madan Bhandari Rajmarg)	1200	250		190	50	376	210	124
10	NH10	Deurall-Mudhe-Chainpur-Bohoratar	92	92
11	NH11	Phikkal-Shreeantu-Chabloise, Ilarn	19	19
12	NH12	Ghurrni-Chatara Udayapur	163	163
13	NH13	Bardibas-Sindhuli-Khurkot-Dhulikhel (B. P. Rajmarg)	160		12	148
14	NH14	Gaighat-Mahuli Khola-Ftupani-Rajbiraj-Chhinnarnasta Niur, Kunauli-Rajloiraj-Kanchanpur Barrie, Phattepur-Basaha Udayapur	100	40	60
15	NH15	Gwarko-Lubhu-Lakurihhanjyang-Kushadevi-Panauti-Dahaltar	128			128
16	NH16	Thadi-Bhagawanpur-Lahan, Kadmahachok-Gaighat-Mohure-Kharpa-Solu	144	111	33
17	NH17	Naubise-Mugling-Pokhara (Prithvi Rajmarg)	173			83	90
18	NH18	Balaju-Trishuli-Dhunche-Syaphrobesi	65			65
19	NH19	Ridi-Balkot-Hanshpur-Pyuthan, Pyothan-Surkhet Road	220					220
20	NH20	Madar-Chauharwa, Mirchaiya-Katan-Ghurmi, Hilepani-Okhaldhunga-Salleri	193	161	32
21	NH21	Sitapaila-Dharke	24			24
22	NH22	Dhalkebar-Janakpur-Jatahi, Ghorghans-Nirrichaur-Thalahighat-Akraharghat	48		48
23	NH23	Diktel-Solu-Junbesi-Khahare-Jiribazar-Tamakoshi -Charikot-Khadichaur	291	108		183
24	NH24	Lalgadh-Ranibas (R T.O. Road)-Bishmat-Bahunmara-B.P. Rajmarg	29		29
25	NH25	Durnre-Beshisahar-Chame	108				108
26	NH26	Jamunibas-Bateshwar-Shantipur-Kurtha-Janakpur	19		19
27	NH27	Shitalpati Salyan Kubhinde Ealuuwa Sangra hi	40						40
28	NH28	Bhittamod-Jaleswor-Bardibas, Khurkot-Manthali-Tamakoshi-Singati-Lamagagar-Lapchegau	281		42	239
29	NH29	Kanchanban-Janaki- Medical College-Mthileshwar Sabaila-Siraha-Naktajijh-Ramlaxrnan Chowk- Healthpost Maherdra Rajmarg	30		30
30	NH30	Janakpur (Mujeliya) Dhanushadham-Dharapani Ramayan Circuit, Tarapatti-Pathos-Ma Ratida - Pushpalpur	36		36
31	NH31	Dolalghat-Chautara	25			25
32	NH32	Nawalpur-Malangawa-Sonbarsha	30		30
33	NH33	Nijgadh-Kathmandu	76		10	66
34	NH34	Kathmandu-Dhulikhel-Dolalghat-Khadichaur-Kodari (Arniko Rajmarg)	112			112
35	NH35	Piluhawa Faanmat-Kalaiya - Methawa	25		25
36	NH36	Chandranigahpur-Gaur	45		45
37	NH37	Hetauda-Bagmati-Tikabhairav-Bhaisepati-Ekantakuna (Kanti Rajpath)	86			86
38	NH38	Kathmandu Outer Ringroad	68			68
39	NH39	Kathmandu Ringroad	27			27
40	NH40	Samakhushi-Tokha-Gurje-Bidur	26			26
41	NH41	Sirsiya-Pathlaiya, Hetauda-Bhaise-Palung-Naubise-Kathmandu (Tribhuvan Rajpath)	155		28	127
42	NH42	Thodi-Bhandara-Malekhu, Galchi-Trishuli-Betrawati-Mailung-Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi	197			197
43	NH43	Malekhu-Dhading-Salyantar	57			57
44	NH44	Thori-Bharatpur-Mugling, Aanbukharieni-Gorkha-Ghyampesal, Aarughat-Sirdibas-Roila	300			105	195
45	NH45	Khairenitar Eihimad Kairtrasoti	106				106
46	NH46	Bhurnahi-Parasi	9					9
47	NH47	Belahiya-Bhairahawa-Butwal-Hadung-Ramdi-Syangja-Pokhara (Siddharth Rajmarg)	184				99	85
48	NH48	Tansen-Ridi-Karla	254				254
49	NH49	Bartung- Tansen Ridi Wamitaksar Kharwang	98				18	80
50	NH50	Jitpur-Taulihawa-Khunuwa	30					30
51	NH51	Taulihawa-Gorusinge-Sandhikharka	83					83
52	NH52	Kakarhawa(IB)-Rudrapur, Sajlhandi-Sandhikhark-Devisthan, Burtibang-Dhorpatan	222				22	200
53	NH53	Bhalubang Liwang Rolpa Madichaur Darbot	130					130
54	NH54	Kailabas-Lamahi, Arjunkholagau-Chorahi-Holeri-Charligaun-Thawang-Lukum (Sahid Marg)	211					211
56	NH55	Arneliya-Tulsipur-Shitalpti-Tharmare-Musikot	169					40	129
56	NH56	Tharmare-Chaurjahari-Jajarkot Khalanga-Jumla Kudari-Mugu Rara (Rara Rajmarg)	263						263
57	NH57	Chinchu-Kudu-Jajarkot -Dunai-Dho-Tinje-Marim (Bhedi Corridor)	317						317
58	NH58	Jamunaha-Nepalgunj-Kohalpur-Surkhet-Khulalu-Hilsa (Karnali Rajmarg)	538					69	469
59	NH59	Murfiya (IB)-Gulariya-Bhurigaun-Telpani-Surkhet-Mathillo Dungeshwor-Bank-Bayuli Nagma	154					50	104
60	NH60	Surkhet-Dailekh-Mahabulekh-Galje, Nagma-Gamgadhi-Nakchelagna	302						302
61	NH61	Surkhet Tallo Dundeshwor-Saatkhamba-Dullu-Pipalkot-Khulalu-Manma-Jumla Sadak	168						168
62	NH62	Khakraula-Tikapur-Lamki-Lodeghat-Bayalpata, Saphebagar-Chainpur	228							228
63	NH63	Sap hebagar-Martadi-Kotti	111							111
64	NH64	Khodpe-Chainpur (Bajhang)	108							108
65	NH65	Khuttiya-Dipayal-Chainpur-Uraibhanjyang	296							296
66	NH66	Dhangadhi-Sahajpur-Budar-Syaule, Satbajh-Thaktoli-Darchula-Tinkar	350							350
67	NH67	Chandani-Bhimdatta-Brarnhadev-Pan cheshwar-Jhulaghat	201							201
68	NH68	Bhimad-Rampur-Mityal-Arung Khola	80				40	40
69	NH69	Jagat Bhanjyang-Mandalithan-Keware Bhanjyang-Barikuna-Kishan-Chapakot-Gajarkot Sadak. Syanhja	42					42
70	NH70	Seti Dovan-Wejang-Panchmul-Aaruchaur Ghante Deurali, Syangja	46					46
71	NH71	Bhaluwang-Nuwakot-Khandaha-Kharwang	170					170
72	NH72	Dumkibas-Baguhan Trivoni	23				23
73	NH73	Surunga-Sharnamati-Tangandubba-Lasunganj, Jhapa	25	25
74	NH74	Ilam (Biplate)-Maipokhari-Sandakpur, Ilarn	50	50
75	NH75	Swoma Sagarmalha Ring road (Okhaldhunga-Solu-Salleri-Khotang-Diktel-Okhaldhungay	135	135
76	NH76	Damak-Chisapan-Rabi	44	44
77	NH77	Bharatpur Mahanagariya Brihat Ghakrapalh	105			105
78	NH78	Damak Na.Pa. Chak.path	100	100
79	NH79	Dadar (Dhanusha) Chisapani-Mainawati-Kalapani-Dudhauli, Sindhuli	20		20
80	NH80	Mahendra Rajmarg Bastipurchowk (Siraha)-B.P. Cancer Hospital-Belsot-Katari, Udayapur	30			30
Total			14,913	2,952	1,072	2,508	1,400	2,709	2,307	1,965
Note: The Listed length is based on the length provided in the Cabinet Decision approved on 2076/02/06 BS (2019/09/19 AD)

(Source: Statistics of National Highway [SNH 2020-21] || Department Of Roads (dor.gov.np))  

Major Road Construction Projects  

1. Kathmandu Terai/Madhesh Expressway 

The Expressway known as Fast Track road connecting Kathmandu and Nijgadh in the southern Terai region of Nepal is being constructed under the responsibility of the Nepali Army (NA). The Expressway consists of a dual carriageway with a double-lane high-design speed highway. The overall 72.5 km length stretches from Khokana (Lalitpur) to Nijgadh (Bara) interconnecting Kathmandu and Makwanpur district in between. The project has started and completed 30.96% of its physical progress as of 15 February 2024 and will be completed in 2027. Currently, construction of three tunnels is underway which stretch a combined total of 6.415km. So far, 4.352 km or 67.43% of work has been completed. It’s being built as per the Primary Class (Asian Highway Design Standard 1993. (Source: Fast Track Road Project) 

2. Construction of Major Highways Connecting East to West of Country 

• Pushpa Lal (Mid Hill) Highway Project: Pushpalal Highway’s (H18) proposed length 1776 km would be the longest highway of Nepal once completed. 850 km of the 1776 km has been blacktopped. The government had aimed to accomplish the Mid-Hill Highway by the fiscal year 2022/2023. But due to the delay by the contractor company, the compensation dispute, and the inability to manage the contract for the remaining sections, the construction of the project has been delayed beyond the stipulated time. So far, 93 bridges, out of 137, have been completed. The overall physical progress of the Mid-Hill Highway was 64.16 percent by the end of June of the financial year 2021/22. Out of 1879 km, 797 km has been paved and 462 km by other bodies. So far, 1259 kilometers have been tarred. Currently, 415 kilometers of road and 25 bridges are under construction. (Source: (Mid Hill) Highway Project)   

• Madan Bhandari Inner Terai Highway: Inner Terai highway, an ongoing project once completed would extend 1390 km from east to west. The highway would run parallel to Mid Hill highway to the North and Mahendra Highway to the south.  1390 km out of which about 740 Km of road sections are being implemented by Madan Bhandari Highway Project Directorate while remaining are being implemented by other Projects and Road Divisions under Department of Roads as well as some sections by offices under Province. Among 740 km road 240 km road has been Blacktopped and 77 number of bridges has been completed till 2022, 63km of road upgrading and 31 nos. of bridges in Dharan-Jhapa Road Section have been contracted till fiscal year 2022. 

• East-West Postal Highway: The East-West Postal Highway, popularly known as Hulaki Marga, connects 20 districts in the southern Terai belt (from Bhadrapur, Jhapa in the east to Dodhara, Kanchanpur in the west). The highway extends 975 km from east to west. The project also includes another 817 km of roads that will connect all Terai districts. Construction work has started on the road sections in Madhesh Province. The progress of road construction was slow due to the covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, construction of 910 km road and 115 bridges has been completed. Moreover, Construction of 250 km road in between Dang, Bardiya and Nepalgunj is in tender process and about 500 km of road is under construction. Traffic is regular in completed road. There is dispute in some construction sites of road sections and however solution on disputed sites is going on in coordination with relevant stakeholders as well. (Source: Postal Highway project latest update/East-West Highway/Postal Highway (Hulaki Raajmarga) new update – YouTube) 

These projects once completed would relieve pressure on Mahendra Highway by being alternative routes to traverse east to west of the country. 

Ministry in Charge		Contact Names, Address & Email		Telephone & Fax
Ministry of Physical   Infrastructure &  Transport		Name:   Sushil Babu Dhakal  Title: Director General /Speaker   Address: Department of Roads  Chakupat, Patan  Email: dgdor@dor.gov.np   Web: https://www.dor.gov.np/home		T: +977-1-5429075   F: +977-1-5529106
Summary of Role and Services   DOR is responsible for management of motorized surface transport infrastructure i.e. road transport regarding planning, designing, construction and maintenance activities of Strategic Road Network (SRN). Thus, maintenance of roads is one of the major tasks of Department of Roads. Also, it continuously develops and expands existing SRN to improve existing access to District Headquarters.
	Contact Names, Address & Email		Telephone & Fax
Ministry of Physical   Infrastructure &  Transport	Name:  Ramhari Pokharel   Title: I Deputy Director General/ Spokesperson  Address: Roads Board Nepal  N.K. Singh Marga, Minbhawan, Kathmandu Nepal  Email: info@rbn.org.np  Web: rbn.org.np		T: +977-1-5529098  F: +-977-1-4493542
Summary of Role and Services   RBN is a self-governing, self-sustaining and organized entity based on Public-Private Partnership [PPP] model. The major function of RBN is to collect, manage and allocate fund for road maintenance to the Road Agencies. Board Requests Annual Road maintenance plan (ARMP) from Road Agencies to consolidate the report into one Integrated Annual Road maintenance plan (IARMP) to better allocate the fund.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

Distance Matrix 

Distances from Capital City to Province Capitals (km)
	Kathmandu	Hetauda	Janakpur	Biratnagar	Bhairahawa	Pokhara	Birendranagar	Dhangadhi
Kathmandu		85	222	374	264	202	594	670
Hetauda	85		165	317	194	199	516	588
Janakpur	222	165		201	357	367	678	687
BIratnagar	374	317	201		508	519	803	903
Bhairahawa	264	194	357	508		179	333	406
Pokhara	202	199	367	519	179		426	551
BIrendranagar	594	516	678	803	333	426		243
Dhangadhi	670	588	687	903	406	551	243

 

Travel Time from Capital City to Province Capitals (hours)
	Kathmandu	Hetauda	Janakpur	Biratnagar	Bhairahawa	Pokhara	Birendranagar	Dhangadhi
Kathmandu		3:40	6:20	9:41	8:26	7:13	15:28	16:50
Hetauda	3:40		3:45	6:50	5:47	6:22	12:52	14:15
Janakpur	6:20	3:45		4:51	9:23	9:45	14:47	16
BIratnagar	9:41	6:50	4:51		11	11:50	17:50	18:40
Bhairahawa	8.26	5:47	9:23	11		5.35	7.25	8:50
Pokhara	7:13	6:22	9:45	11:50	5:35		13.06	13.09
BIrendranagar	15:28	12:52	14:47	17:50	7:25	13:06		5:41
Dhangadhi	16.50	14:15	16	18:40	8:50	13:09	5:41

 

Road Security 

The risk posed by the treacherous slope of mountains, the narrow width of the lanes, sharp corners and negligence and inexperience of drivers lead to traffic fatalities. On average, 14 deaths occur die to road traffic injuries per 100K people in Nepal. The most common type of road traffic accidents or crashes in Nepal involve motorcycles. A total of 2,320 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents between April 2022 and April 2023, while 28,526 people were injured, many of them impaired for life (Source: Nepal Times).  

General strikes, or Bandhs, can involve blockage and shutdown of major roads. It is advisable to avoid travel during these strikes. 

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits 

Department of Transport Management (DoTM) is mandated to control vehicle overloading in Nepal. A basic policy of vehicle overloading control has been included in National Transport Policy (2002) by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The government has established and operated weigh bridges at Ampatari of Chitwan district and Bardibas of Mahottari district. Provisions have been made to establish and operate weigh bridges even from the private sector by amending the load-bearing guidelines. One private formal permit has been obtained in Mahottari and three in Kavre. (Source: Bulletion of DoTM) The Federation of Truck Transport Entrepreneurs Nepal (FTTEN) is operating fifteen (15) weighbridges in major freight routes.  

Medium-sized trucks (seven to ten-ton payload) operate over two-lane asphalt roads at relatively low average speeds, in the range of 200 to 400 km per day. The movement of containers on the Nepal roadways is limited due to the terrain and condition of the roads. Most of the trucks used in cross-border movements are 2-3 axle (six or ten wheel) trucks carrying payloads up to 18 mt. Trucks carrying bulk cargo are generally overloaded, causing additional damage to roads.  

(Source: Road Transport Safety and Axle Load Control Study in Nepal) 

 

Axle Load Limits (MT)	LCA Country (Nepal)	Transit Country #1 (India)
Truck with 2 Axles (4 wheeled)	12
Truck with 2 Axles (6 wheeled)	16.2	19
Truck with 3 Axles (6 -10 Wheeled)	25	28.5
Truck with 4 Axles (8- 12-Wheeled)	31	36
Tridem with 3 Axle (12 wheeled)	24
Semi-trailer with 4 Axles	30	40
Semi-trailer with 5 Axles	40.2	46
Semi-trailer with 6 Axles		55
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 4 Axles		42
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 5 Axles		51.5
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 6 Axles		55
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 7 Axles

(Source: https://www.dotm.gov.np/MainData/ProcedureCodeofConduct) 

 

Road Class and Surface Conditions 

Roads in Nepal are classified as follows: 

Administrative Classification: Administrative classification of roads is intended for assigning national importance and level of government responsible for overall management and methods of financing. According to this classification roads are classified into: 

1. National Highways 

2. Feeder Roads 

3. District Roads and 

4. Urban Roads 

 

National Highways: National Highways are main roads connecting East to West and North to South of the Nation. These serve directly the greater portion of the longer distance travel, provide consistently higher level of service in terms of travel speeds, and bear the inter-community mobility. These roads shall be the main arterial routes passing through the length and breadth of the country as a whole. They are designated by the letter “H‟ followed by a two-digit number. 

Feeder Roads: Feeder roads are important roads of localized nature. These serve the community’s wide interest and connect District Headquarters, Major economic centres, Tourism centres to National Highways or other feeder roads. They are designated by letter „F‟ followed by 3-digit number. 

District Roads: District Roads are important roads within a district serving areas of production and markets and connecting with each other or with the main highways. 

Urban Roads: Urban Roads are the roads serving within the urban municipalities. 
In Nepal the overall management of National Highways and Feeder Roads comes within the responsibility of the Department of Roads (DOR). These roads are collectively called Strategic Roads Network (SRN) roads. District Roads and Urban Roads are managed by Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads (DOLIDAR). These roads are collectively called Local Roads Network (LRN) roads.  

Functional Classification 

For assigning various geometric and technical parameters for design, roads are categorized into classes as follows: 

Road Functional Class 

• Class-I roads: Have a divided carriageway and access control (Expressways) with Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of 20,000 Passenger Car Unit (PCU) or more in 20 yrs. perspective period. Design speed in plain terrain is 120 km/h.  

• Class-II (arterial roads): Have ADT of 5,000-20,000 PCU in 20 yrs. perspective period. Design speed of this class of roads in plain terrain is 100 km/h.  

• Class-III (collector roads): Have ADT of 2,000-5,000 PCU in 20 yrs. perspective period. Design speed of this class of roads in plain terrain is 80 km/h.  

• Class-IV (local roads): Have ADT of less than 2,000 PCU in 20 yrs. perspective period. Design speed of this class of roads in plain terrain is 60 km/h. 

Approximate correlation can be established between the administrative and functional classifications of the roads as follows.  

	Plain and Rolling Terrain	Mountainous and steep terrain
National Highway	I, II	II, III
Feeder Roads	II, III	III, IV

(Source: Nepal Road Standard 2070) 

• Surface / Road conditions 

Factors influencing road driving conditions in Nepal are: 

1. Construction quality: Many roads constructed have design flaws (narrow width lane, lack of safety barriers, lane markings or drainage systems, thin or low-quality surfacing). Increased vehicles traffic, heavy trucks and monsoon rains lead to quick deterioration and surface cracks and pot-holes.  

2. Maintenance: The Road Board Nepal oversees the maintenance of roads by respective Road Agencies. However, for many roads maintenance and repair is not carried out regularly.  

3. Weather: During rainy season the risk of landslides or floods that may block roads, is significantly increased. This affects immediate transportation and wreaks havoc on the longevity of the infrastructure.  

4. Ratna Highway is two-lane, black-topped highway in good condition.    Ratna Highway (Nepali) also referred to as H12) is a highway in western Nepal that crosses the districts of Banke and Surkhet in a south to north direction. The 113.08 km highway starts at Nepalgunj, 

5. Karnali Highway is a vital transport link between two provinces in Nepal. This highway links the towns of Jumla, the Karnali capital, and Surkhet. Karnali Province is the largest, remotest and the least developed Province in Nepal. In general, the highway has two-lanes; the highway is both black-topped and earthen, and construction is still under progress.   

6. Feeder Roads (Nagma to Gamgadhi): Earthen, Work in Progress, Rocky Terrain  

7. Bhimdutta Highway (Dhangadi – Dadeldhura): Blacktopped, Good condition.  

8. Mechi Highway (H06) is two-lane highway with the length of 268 km. It is blacktopped and is in good condition. On its hilly section, the problem of landslides especially during rainy season should be considered.  

9. Koshi Highway (H08) is 390 km road envisioned as shortest north south corridor to connect China and India via Nepal. The road section from Biratnagar (India-Nepal Border) to Khandbari is blacktopped but beyond Khandbari to Kimanthanka (China-Nepal Border) the construction is ongoing. Hilly section of the highway faces the issue of landslides during rainy season.  

10. Araniko Highway (H03) is 115 km blacktopped highway connecting Kathmandu with Kodari (China-Nepal border). This highway is among the difficult highways of Nepal to navigate during rainy season.  

11. Siddhartha Highway (H10) is 181 km long blacktopped highway connecting Nepal India border at Siddharthanagar to Pokhara, a major city in Gandaki Province. Butwal-Palpa section at the hilly region of the highway consists of rocky terrain. Rockfalls and debris deposition are common. Landslides is frequent during rainy season. 

12. Mahendra Highway which traverses east to west of country, Prithivi Highway which connects Kathmandu with Pokhara, major tourist destination, Araniko highway which connects Kathmandu with Kodari, a town bordering China, Tribhuvan Highway which connects Kathmandu with Birgunj, a major business hub bordering India and Siddhartha Highway which connects Siddharthanagar, a town bordering India with Pokhara are the five busiest highways of Nepal. 

13. Nepal Access Constraints Maps : The National Logistics Cluster updates Road Access constraints maps periodically in the monsoon season, during flood/landslide emergencies.  

Traffic capacity (Heavy, Heavy with trailer, Light vehicle, Motorbike) and any seasonal variations 

The maximum dimensions of vehicles considered for design of roads in Nepal are as follows:  

• Maximum Width, m 2.50  

• Maximum Height, m 4.75  

• Maximum Length, m 18.00  

• Maximum single axle load, kilo Newton (kN) 100  

 

Koshi Province  

All the districts of Koshi Province are connected by road, although some roads in high altitudes are not blacktopped and conditions of those roads worsen during the rainy season. Major highways of the province which connects plain land of Terai to high altitude regions are as follows: 

1. Mechi Highway: 268 km long two lanes freeway which connects Jhapa to Taplejung. The main destinations along the highway include Prithivinagar, Bhadrapur, Duhagadhi, Budhabare, Kanyam, and Phikkal. 

2. Koshi Highway: Two lanes of road and 159 km long, starts from Biratnagar and connects Myanglung with it. Itahari, Dharan, Dhankuta, Bhedetar, Hile etc. are the destinations along with highway. 

3. Sagarmatha Highway: Two lanes, 265 km long highway starts from Kadmaha of  Madhesh Pradesh and connects Solukhumbu with it. Gaighat, Saune etc. are the destinations along with highway. 

4. Mahendra Highway The major East-West Highway of Nepal starts from Kakarbhitta of Koshi Province  

Road network in Koshi Province: Statistics of National Highway  

Distances from Koshi Province Capital to Major Towns (km)
	Biratnagar	Itahari	Dharan	Mechinagar	Gaighat Via Beltar	Birtamod via Mahendra HY	Damak	Suryodaya via Rangeli
BIratnagar		24.7	42	108	108	91.3	58.9	202
Itahari	24.7		16.8	91.7	92	75.1	42.1	119
Dharan	42	16.8		108	72.5	91.5	57.8	140
Mechinagar	108	91.7	108		174	18.8	52.1	23.4
Gaighat	108	92	72.5	174		160	124	211
Birtamod	93.4	77.3	91.5	18.8	160		37.8	48
Damak	58.9	42.1	57.8	52.1	124	37.8		79.8
Suryodaya	202	119	136	23.4	211	48	79.8

 

Travel Time from Koshi Province Capital City to Major Towns (hours)
	Biratnagar	Itahari	Dharan	Mechinagar	Gaighat	Birtamod	Damak	Suryodaya
BIratnagar		00:38	00:57	2:43	2:26	2:20	1:11	4:53
Itahari	00:38		00:24	2:27	2:04	2:05	1.00	3.13
Dharan	00:57	00:24		2:40	1:29	2:19	1:16	3.38
Mechinagar	2:43	2:27	2:40		3:39	00:31	1:14	00:45
Gaighat	2:26	2:04	1:29	3:39		3:58	2:49	5:16
Birtamod	2:20	2:05	2:19	00:31	3:58		00:54	1:18
Damak	1:11	1:00	1:16	1:14	2:49	00:54		2:16
Suryodaya	4:53	3:13	3:38	00:45	5:16	1:18	2:16

The SRN connecting districts of Koshi Province are relatively obstructed by landslide and flash flood in hilly region, flood in terai region and numerous bridge building activities would be diverted roads into small rivulets. And can delay traffic and can be temporarily obstructed during the monsoon season. 

Madhesh Pradesh Province   

The East-West Highway runs longitudinally across the Madhesh Pradesh. All major cities of the province are connected to the highway. Janakpurdham, Rajbiraj , Birgunj and Gaur lie 25, 10, 24 and 42 km south of the Mahendra Highway, respectively. The Tribhuvan Highway is an important to link as it connects the province to Kathmandu and to India. The starting point of Tribhuvan Highway i.e. Birgunj is the most important international gateway and trade way for this province and the entire country and hence as the Tribhuvan Highway is also referred to as "The Gateway of Nepal". Birendra highway which is connected to Mahendra highway from headquarter of Rautahat district Gaur to the Chandranigahpur (the largest city of Rautahat) is 42km in length. However, to access the capital of Madhesh Pradesh  Janakpur city from Kathmandu the fastest suggested route is the Bisheshwor Prasad Koirala (BP) highway till Bardibas, Mahottari and then 1 h 12 min (43.9 km) via E - W Hwy/AH2 and Dhulikhel Sindhuli Bhittamod Rajmarg.  

Strategic Road Network of Madhesh Pradesh: Statistics of National Highway 

Distance Matrix (Madhesh Pradesh)  

Distance from Madhesh Capital City to Major Towns (km)
	Janakpur	Birgunj	Kalaiva	Gaur	Malangawa	Jaleshower	Siraha	Rajbira
Janakpur		158	143	136	60.1	18.3	87.3	122
Birgunj	158		17.5	64.9	114	157	196	230
Kalaiva	143	17.5		47.5	99.3	142	181	251
Gaur	136	64.9	47.5		92.4	135	174	208
Malangawa	60.1	114	99.3	92.4		41.8	120	155
Jaleshower	18.3	157	142	135	41.8		95	137
Siraha	87.3	196	181	174	120	95		82
Rajbiraj	122	230	251	208	155	137	82

 

Travel Time from Madhesh Capital City to Major Towns (hours: minutes)
	Janakpur	Birgunj	Kalaiva	Gaur	Malangawa	Jaleshower	Siraha	Rajbira
Janakpur		3:10	2:56	2:56	1:25	00:30	2:07	3:00
Birgunj	3:10		00:28	1:41	2:20	3:15	4:10	5:10
Kalaiya	2:56	00:28		1:13	2:05	3:00	4:00	5:00
Gaur	2:56	1:41	1:13		2:00	3:00	3:56	3:00
Malangawa	1:25	2;20	2:05	2:00		1:00	3:00	4:00
Jaleshower	00:30	3:15	3:00	3:00	1:00		2:29	3:30
Siraha	2:07	4:10	4:00	3:56	3:00	2:29		2:00
Rajbiraj	3:00	5:10	5:00	3:00	4:00	3:30	2:00

 

The SRN connecting districts of Madhesh Province are generally obstructed by flood during the monsoon season and can be halted traffic for few days during the season.  

Bagmati Province  

All 13 districts of Bagmati Province are connected by roads. However, people living in the high altitude regions of Rasuwa, Sindhuplachok and Dolakha experience difficulty accessing roadways perennially. Major highways of the province are as follows: 

1. Tribhuvan Highway: Tribhuvan Highway (H02) which is also part of Asian Highway 42 (AH42) connects the capital city with Birgunj, a major business hub in Madhesh Pradesh  bordered with India. 

2. Araniko Highway: Araniko Highway (H03) which is also part of AH42 connects capital city with Kodari on the Nepal-China border.  

3. Prithivi Highway: Prithivi Highway (H04) connects capital city via Naubise, Dhading with Pokhara in Gandaki Province. This landslide-prone and heavily congested highway passes through five districts: Kathmandu, Dhading, Chitwan, Tanahu and Kaski. 

4. BP Koirala Highway:  The BP Highway, also known as the Banepa- Bardibas Highway, links Kathmandu Valley with Madhesh Pradesh  and  connects with eastern Nepal.  

Road Network in Bagmati Province: Statistics of National Highway 

Distance Matrix 

 

Distances from Bagmati Province Capital City to Major Towns (km)
	Hetauda	Kathmandu	Ratnanagar	Bhimeshowr	Bidur	Dhunche	Chautara
Hetauda		85	62.7	207	121	168	172
Kathmandu	85		159	127	50	98.8	94.5
Ratnagar	62.7	159		276	133	181	233
Bhimeshowr	207	127	276		178	224	109
Bidur	121	50	133	176		49.1	115
Dhunche	168	98.8	181	224	109		164
Chautara	172	94.5	233	109	115	164

 

Travel Time from Bagmati Province Capital City to Major Towns (hours 00:00)
	Hetauda	Kathmandu	Ratnanagar	Bhimeshowr	Bidur	Dhunche	Chautara
Hetauda		3:53	1:14	7:49	4:30	6:27	6:45
Kathmandu	3:53		5:04	4:01	2:00	3:52	3:27
Ratnagar	1:14	5:04		8:28	3:25	5:20	8:10
Bhimeshowr	7:49	4:10	8:28		6:00	8:00	3:30
Bidur	4:30	2:00	3:25	6:00		2:03	5:24
Dhunche	6:27	3:52	5:20	8:00	2:03		7:02
Chautara	6:45	3:27	8:10	3:30	5:24	7:02

Connecting road to Kathmandu (Bagmati Province), the capital of Nepal through the Narayngadh Mugling Highway/HO5 can be obstructed by large scale landslide and the main route to the capital city from the rest of the country can also be blocked by debris flow during monsoon season.  

Landslide Disrupts Narayagarh-Mugling Road Section 

Gandaki Province 

Nine out of 11 districts of Gandaki Province are connected via blacktopped road (530.24 km). Road connection to Myagdi, Mustang and Manang although navigable are earthen and gravelled and can pose serious issues during rainy season.  

1. Siddhartha Highway: Siddhartha Highway (H10) connects Gandaki Provicne  to Gandaki Province. The highway starts at Nepal-India Border in Siddharthanagar and terminates at Prithivi chowk, Pokhara.  The major settlements on the highway are Siddharthanagar, Butwal, Tansen, Waling, Putalibazar, Syangja and Pokhara. 

Road Network in Gandaki Province: Statistics of National Highway 

Distances from Gandaki Province Capital City to Major Towns (km)
	Pokhara	Vyas	Gaindakot	Baglung	Gorkha	Beshisahar	Chame	Jomsom
Pokhara		50.1	121	80.7	73.8	106	169	159
Vyas	51.1		102	131	43.2	57.9	121	209
Gaindakot	121	102		202	116	115	178	298
Baglung	80.7	131	202		186	187	249	94.3
Gorkha	73.8	43.2	116	186		66.5	144	265
Besisahar	106	57.9	115	187	66.5		67.4	265
Chame	169	121	178	249	144	67.4		328
Jomsom	159	209	298	94.3	265	265	328

 

Travel Time from Gandaki Province Capital City to Major Towns (hours 00:00)
	Pokhara	Vyas	Gaindakot	Baglung	Gorkha	Beshisahar	Chame	Jomsom
Pokhara		2:09	5:12	2:13	4:00	4:04	7:44	5:55
Vyas	2:09		3:00	4:18	1:44	2:00	5:40	8:04
Gaindakot	5:12	3:00		7:04	4:22	3:34	7:14	11:35
Baglung	2:13	4:18	7:04		6:00	6:05	9:47	4:09
Gorkha	4:00	1:44	4:22	6:00		2:28	6:21	10:00
Besisahar	4:04	2:00	3:34	6:05	2:28		4:00	10:00
Chame	7:44	5:40	7:14	9:47	6:21	4:00		12:36
Jomsom	5:55	8:04	11:35	4:09	10:00	10:00	12:36

 

Lumbini Province 

All 12 districts of Lumbini Province are connected via blacktopped road (1428.90 km). Major highways of the province are as follows: 

1. Rapti Highway: Rapti Highway (H11) starts from Ameliya, Dang and terminates at Musikot West Rukum. This highway makes hilly regions of Rolpa, Salyan West Rukum and east Rukum accessible. 

2. Ratna Highway: Ratna Highway (H12) connects Lumbini Province to Karnali Province. It starts at Nepal- India border in Nepalgunj and terminates at Birendranagar, Surkhet. The highway transition into Karnali Highway system from the point it terminates.  

3. Mahendra highway: Mahendra highway traverses districts of Bardiya, Banke, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Parasi latitudinally. It connects Lumbini Province  to Bagmati Province  to east and Sudurpaschim Province  to the west.  

 

Road Network in Lumbini Province: Statistics of National Highway 

Distances from Lumbini Province Capital City to Major Towns (km)
	Butwal	Ghorahi	Nepalgunj	Kapilvastu	Rajapur	Bhairahawa	Ramgram
Butwal		148	249	48.5	316	25.1	35.3
Ghorahi	148		146	120	220	180	185
Nepalgunj	249	146		221	289	41.8	67.9
Kapivastu	48.5	120	221		289	41.8	67.9
Rajapur	316	220	289	289		330	356
Bhairahawa	25.1	180	41.8	41.8	330		25.2
Ramgram	35.3	185	67.9	67.9	356	25.2

 

 

Travel Time from Lumbini Province Capital City to Major Towns (hours:minutes)
	Butwal	Ghorahi	Nepalgunj	Kapilvastu	Rajapur	Bhairahawa	Ramgram
Butwal		3:22	5:13	1:00	6:40	00:42	1:03
Ghorahi	3:22		3:31	2:46	4:20	3:42	4:30
Nepalgunj	5:13	3:31		4:48	6:04	5:43	6:25
Kapivastu	1:00	2:46	4:48		7:00	00:52	1:16
Rajapur	6:40	4:20	6:04	7:00		7:03	7:38
Bhairahawa	00:42	3:42	5:43	00:52	7:03		00:31
Ramgram	1:03	4:30	6:25	1:16	7:38	00:31

 

There are 12 districts in Lumbini Province. Of them, six districts of the Terai – West Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, and Bardiya – are at high risk of floods. Similarly, hilly districts – Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Rolpa, and Palpa – are at high risk of landslides and road can be obstructed during monsoon season and adhere to the precaution notification of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM)  for movement. 

Karnali Province  

The East-West Highway (EWH, 1,024 km) is the main traffic artery in the country but does not traverse Karnali province. The juncture with the EWH at Kohalpur along Ratna Rajmarg is 87 KM away from Karnali Province’s capital, Birendranagar.   

The last 40km of the Ratna Highway from the border at Bheriganga Municipality, Surkhet with Bardiya district joins Lumbini Province  with Karnali Province’s capital. The Karnali Highway (233km) traverses Surkhet, Dailekh, Kalikot, and Jumla crossing Mid Hill EW Highway at Sahijyula, Dailkeh. The Mid-hill EW highway which is 1,776 km long extending from Panchthar to Baitadi is the parallel highway which will provide an alternative to EW highway through hills. 278 km of Midhill highway traverses Dailekh (125 km), Jajarkot (83 km) and West Rukum (70 km) from Sahijyula, Dailekh to Ghorkhani in West Rukum. 176 km of Rapti Highway connects Salyan and West Rukum with EWH in Ameliya, Dang of that 124 km traverses Salyan and West Rukum from Salyan district border with Dang district till Musikot. At Musikot it meets Midhill EWH.   

 

Road Network in Karnali Province: Statistics of National Highway 

 

Distance Matrix (Karnali Province)  

Distances from Karnali Province capital, Birendranagar to Major Towns (km)
	Surkhet	Chhinchu	Dullu	Dailekh	Manma	Nagma	Jumla	Gamgadhi	Chaurjhari	Jajarkot	Rukum	Salyan
Surkhet		27	86.7	125	147	196	229	251.5	117	148	175	107
Chhinchu	27		98	120	174	223	255	327.5	87.1	119	145	76.2
Dullu	86.7	98		17.9	84.2	133	180	223.5	184	215	242	173
Dailekh	125	120	17.9		106	155	188	263.5	206	238	264	195
Manma	147	174	84.2	106		49.3	82.4	174.5	260	291	318	249
Nagma	196	223	133	155	49.3		47	91.5	356	340	367	298
Jumla	229	255	180	188	82.4	47		124.5	356	387	414	346
Gamgadhi	251.5	327.5	223.5	263.5	174.5	91.5	124.5			406.5	436.5	391.5
Chaurjhari	117	87.1	184	206	260	356	356			61.1	57.9	89.1
Jajarkot	148	119	215	238	291	340	387	406.5	61.1		105	122
Rukum	175	145	242	264	318	367	414	436.5	57.9	105		98
Salyan	107	76.2	173	195	249	298	346	391.5	89.1	122	98

 

Travel Time from Birendranagar, Surkhet to Major Towns (hours:minutes 00:00)
	Surkhet	Chhinchu	Dullu	Dailekh	Manma	Nagma	Jumla	Gamgadhi	Chaurjhari	Jajarkot	Rukum		Salyan
Surkhet		0:45	2:43	3:31	5:47	8:00	9:08	14:25	4:00	4:25	6:13		3:30
Chhinchu	00:45		3:20	4:04	6:25	8:35	9:41	15:50	3:19	3:44	5:32		2:46
Dullu	2:43	3:20		0:58	3:39	5:47	7:36	13:50	6:31	7:00	8:44	5:56
Dailekh	3:31	4:04	00:58		4:17	6:19	7:34	11:00	7:16	7:14	9:29		8:00
Manma	5:47	6:25	3:39	4:17		2:05	3:52	8	9:19	10:04	11:30		9:06
Nagma	8:00	8:35	5:47	6:19	2:05		1:47	6.5	11:24	12:09	13:35		11:05
Jumla	9:08	9:41	7:36	7:34	3:52	1:47		8	13:10	13:55	15:21		12:58
Gamgadhi	14:25	15:50	13:50	11 :00	8	6.5	8			19.75	21		18
Chaurjhari	4:00	3:19	6:31	7:16	6:54	11:24	13:10	8:00		1:27	2:10		3:29
Jajarkot	4:25	3:44	7:00	7:41	10:0	10:04	13:55	19.75			2:38		4:21
Rukum	6:13	5:32	8:44	9:29	11:30	13:35	15:21	21	1:27	2:38			4:01
Salyan	3:30	2:46	5:56	6:46	9:06	11:05	12:58	18	3:29	4:21	4:01

Known obstacles and bridges in Karnali Province  

Construction of Bridge on Karnali Highway on the way to Manma 

The SRN connecting districts of Karnali Province are relatively unobstructed by landslides. But numerous bridge building activities have diverted roads into small rivulets, which can delay traffic and can be temporarily obstructed during the monsoon season.   

Construction of bridges on the lengths of highways could delay the movement but are not a hindrance. Numerous bridges are being constructed.   

The district of Humla is not yet connected with road network. A project to link the Humla with Karnali Highway is under progress in Kalikot district. A special travel arrangement could be made in the form of the ferry to carry vehicles across the Karnali river but that is not possible during the rainy season.  Historically, an ancient foot trail from Simikot to Hilsa, that goes along the mountain slopes on the left side of the Humla Karnali river. This route has been used by locals for trading at the nearby old trade mart of Taklakot in Tibet, and for undertaking the pilgrimage to the nearby holy sites of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash in Tibet. This route involves a 4-5 day walk from Simikot to Hilsa,   

Dolpa is also not accessible through a connecting road. The government is attempting to link the roadway to Dolpa, Dunai. The road is linked to Rukum, Jajarkot districts. The road is 118 km long, of which 73 km road construction has been completed.   

Sudurpashchim Province  

The East-West highway is the lifeline to all 9 districts in Sudurpashchim Province. The road networks joining province capitals Kailali and district headquarter, Kanchanpur, south of the East-West highway and other seven districts headquarter with north of East-west highway are accessible but the problem of inundation in Terai and frequent lands8:44lide often pose severe access constraints during the monsoon season. Puspalal Mid hill Highways is5 in the construction process but at a slow pace.  

Strategic Road Network of Sudurpaschim Province: Statistics of National Highway 

Distance Matrix (Sudurpashchim Province)  

Distances from Sudurpaschim Province capital, Dhangadi  to Major Towns (km)
	Kailali	Kanchanpur	Dadeldhura	Baitadi	Darchula	Bajhang	Doti	Bajura	Achham
Kailali		63.6	140	210	327	270	195	306	300
Kanchanpur	63.6		200	272	390	331	258	289	208
Dadeldhura	140	200		80.3	148	160	144	254	251
Baitadi	210	272	80.3		142	267	250	361	235
Darchula	327	390	148	142		267	254	370	358
Bajhang	270	331	160	267	267		196	312	299
Doti	195	258	144	250	254	196		135	132
Bajura	306	289	254	361	370	312	135		93.2
Achham	300	208	251	235	358	299	132	93.2

 

 

Travel Time from Sudurpaschim Province capital, Dhangadi  to Major Towns (km)
	Kailali	Kanchanpur	Dadeldhura	Baitadi	Darchula	Bajhang	Doti	Bajura	Achham
Kailali		1:27	4:03	6:27	10:28	8:38	6:00	9:40	9:20
Kanchanpur	1:27		5:30	8:00	12:00	10:00	7:30	11:00	8:00
Dadeldhura Amargadi	4:03	5:30		2:45	6:30	5:45	5:00	8:40	8:30
Baitadi	6:27	8:00	2:45		5:00	9:30	8:30	12:30	12:00
Darchula	10:28	12:00	6:30	5:00		9:20	8:30	12:30	12:00
Bajhang	8:38	10:00	5:45	9:30	9:20		6:40	10;50	10:20
Doti	6:00	7:30	5:00	8:30	8:30	6:40		1:15	5:00
Bajura	9:40	11:00	8:40	12:30	12:30	10:50	1:15		3:30
Achham	9:20	8:00	8:30	12:00	12:00	10:20	5:00	3:30

Known obstacles and bridges in Sudurpashchim province  

 

Rocky section of F154 in Bumramadichaur joining Nagma to Gamgadhi, Mugu  

Landslide and flood-prone area in a different location throughout the Sudurpashchim province     

Address	GR/Map sheet	Latitude	Longitude	Hazard and Risk	Remark
Kakada	46709130	N29° 47'08''	E80° 26'09''	Landslide	Mahakali highway
Kimtadi	53559990	N29° 49'32''	E80° 30'07''	Landslide	Mahakali highway
Khaulchaura	46879012	N29° 44'01''	E80° 27'05''	Landslide	Mahakali highway
Terselake	50759012	N29° 44'20''	E80° 29'09''	Landslide	Mahakali highway
Dudhali Gard	52578957	N29° 46'28''	E80° 30'48''	Landslide	Mahakali highway
Baitadi	NA	N29° 39'158''	E80° 31'229''	Landslide	Baitadi Road
Baitadi -Bangabagar	NA	N29. 664634'	E80.545070'	Flash flood	Mahakali Highway
Bajura-Dwari, Kailashmandu	NA	N 29.399555	E81.393506	Landslide	Bajura Road
Lalmatiya Bhaluwang- Dang	NA	N27.837510	E82.763178	Road damage- east-west highway	Due to irrigation project

 

Flood-prone districts of 6 provinces of Nepal where susceptibility of road blocked is high during monsoon season (June-August) and vehicular movement need to adhere to the early notification of rain by Department of Hydrology and Meteorology of Nepal for vehicular movement.  

 

Flood Prone Districts of 7 province of Nepal
Koshi	Bagamati	Gandaki	Madhesh	Lumbini	Sudurpaschim
Jhapa	Chitawan	Nawalparasi	Bara	Banke	Kailali
Morang	Sindhuli		Dhanusha	Bardiya	Kanchanpur
Sunsari			Mahottari	Dang
Udayapur			Parsa	Kapilbastu
			Rautahat	Nawalparasi
			Saptari	Rupandehi
			Sarlahi
			Siraha