The policy brief ‘Pathways to Transport Decarbonization in Nepal‘ by Prashanta Khanal analyzes how Nepal’s rapidly growing transport sector contributes heavily to carbon emissions, air pollution, and fossil fuel dependency. It situates the issue within global climate commitments and highlights Nepal’s pledges under the Paris Agreement. The paper argues that electrifying transport and adopting sustainable mobility strategies are essential for reducing emissions, improving air quality, and supporting inclusive development.
Key Points
- Transport and Emissions: Transport is one of Nepal’s fastest-growing sources of CO₂ emissions, accounting for 36% of national energy-related emissions in 2011, with freight and public transport as major contributors.
- Rapid Motorization: Vehicle registration has grown tenfold since 2000, with 86% of vehicles being private. This has increased fossil fuel imports, worsened air pollution, and created congestion, especially in Kathmandu Valley.
- Policy Commitments: Nepal has pledged net-zero emissions by 2045, with targets for widespread electric vehicle adoption, electric rail, cycle lanes, and charging infrastructure. However, weak implementation and conflicting policies undermine progress.
- Avoid-Shift-Improve Framework: The paper recommends applying this approach:
- Avoid unnecessary travel through sustainable urban planning and demand management.
- Shift to cleaner modes like public transport, cycling, and walking.
- Improve efficiency by electrifying transport and integrating renewable energy.
- Electric Mobility Focus: The priority should be electric public transport, not private cars. Measures include phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, introducing electric Bus Rapid Transit (eBRT) in major cities, and expanding safa tempos and electric buses.
- Freight Decarbonization: Freight vehicles are major polluters; solutions include electric cargo vehicles for urban areas, stronger emission standards, and expansion of electric rail for long-distance freight.
- Walking and Cycling: Promoting cycling and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can replace many short private trips, reduce emissions, and improve public health.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Transport electrification requires expanding Nepal’s energy mix beyond hydropower to include solar, wind, and biogas for resilience and sustainability.
- Institutional Reform and Funding: Effective decarbonization requires stronger institutions, local government involvement, long-term dedicated funding, and leveraging international climate finance.