Nepal to Host Policy Dialogue on Automobile and Better Mobility 2025 in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, The Nepal Automobiles Association (NASA Nepal) is organizing a landmark event, the Policy Dialogue on Automobile and Better Mobility 2025, on August 2-3 (Shrawan 17-18) at Thapathali Campus in Kathmandu. The two-day dialogue aims to drive national-level policy reform across Nepal’s road safety, electric vehicle (EV), and mobility sectors.

International experts, government representatives, transport authorities, and automotive professionals will participate in the event to discuss Nepal’s growing mobility challenges and policy gaps.

International Experts and Keynote Speakers Confirmed

Key figures attending include:

  1. Greg Craft, Vice President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Founder of the AIP Foundation and Automobile Association of Vietnam,
  2. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Chair of Asia Pacific Road Safety Observatory and Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport,
  3. Ranjit Kaur Virk, Secretary General of Federation of Indian Automobile Associations,
  4. Delegates from the Automobile Sector Association of Bhutan, among others.

Craft will present on two-wheeler safety and helmet laws in Asia, while Dhakal will highlight regional road safety initiatives. Kaur will speak on cross-border tourism, IDPs, CDPs, and sustainable transport in South Asia.

Sessions on EV Policy, Public Transport, and Road Safety

The dialogue will feature presentations across a wide range of policy and research topics:

  1. “EV: Opportunities and Challenges” by engineer Prem Lama
  2. “Multimodal Transport Development” by Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director, Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee
  3. “Vehicle Safety in South Asia” by Dr. KC Vora, Director, School of Automotive, Namtic India
  4. “Road Classification and Certification in the UK” by Dr. Pushpraj Pant, University of the West of England
  5. “Best Practices in Indian Road Safety Policy” by Rajni Gandhi, TRAX Society, New Delhi

Nepal’s own academic community, including Prof. Padma Bahadur Shahi of the Nepal Engineering Council and Santosh Prasad Neupane of NASA Nepal, will present on Nepal’s geography, vehicle import trends, youth mobility, and national commitments under UN resolutions.

Political and Legislative Participation

The program includes a critical session on public transport reform titled “Public Transport: Socialist Constitution and Government”, featuring:

  1. MPs Yogesh Bhattarai and Madhav Sapkota
  2. National Assembly members Shekhar Singh and Garima Shah
  3. Lumbini Provincial Assembly member Nima Giri

They will be joined by policy experts discussing legal frameworks, road safety enforcement, and infrastructure planning.

Broader Topics and Societal Integration

Several emerging themes will be explored:

  1. Drone transport, podways, and micro mobility: Presented by Nil Bhattarai and Prabin Bhattarai of Kathmandu Podway
  2. Cycling and pedestrian culture by activist Rakesh Maharjan
  3. Driving tourism and motorsport development by Kamala Chhetri, with multimedia showcases
  4. Ride-sharing policies and opportunities by Ekaraj Subedi

A nationwide campaign on EV studies, road safety audits, and youth mobility will be officially launched at the event.

National Road Safety Award and Closing Ceremony

One of the highlights will be the presentation of the National Road Safety Award to individuals or institutions with significant contributions in this field.

The event will conclude with remarks from Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Chief Whip Mahesh Bartola, and MP Shiv Nepal from the Development and Technology Committee.

Strengthening Nepal’s Automotive Policy Landscape

NASA Nepal, active for over 17 years, has been instrumental in promoting road safety, motorsports, EVs, e-sports, and sustainable transport. The organization collaborates with global entities such as the FIA, FIM, UIM, AIT, and the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, as well as domestic institutions like the National Sports Council and Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

This policy dialogue is expected to serve as a catalyst for shaping Nepal’s long-term automotive policy, infrastructure investment, and legislative reform, especially in the context of the rising importance of electric vehicles and regional mobility integration.

Key Takeaways

  1. 🗓 Dates: August 2-3, 2025 (Shrawan 17-18)
  2. 📍 Venue: Thapathali Campus, Kathmandu
  3. 🎤 Speakers: FIA, AIP Foundation, Indian & Bhutanese Associations, UK Researchers
  4. 🏆 Highlights: National Road Safety Award, EV sessions, Public Transport Reforms
  5. 🧭 Focus Areas: Road Safety, Electric Vehicles, Cross-border Tourism, Youth Mobility