‘Curriculum on Road Safety’ policy dialogue concludes

Kathmandu: A one-day policy dialogue on “Curriculum on Road Safety in Schools, Colleges, and Universities of Nepal” concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The first educational discourse of its kind in Nepal in the field of sustainable roads and safe transport included presentations and discussions. The event covered the curriculum development process in Nepal, safe and sustainable road transport in the context of sustainable development, and the responsibilities of federal, provincial, and local governments.

With road accidents ranking eighth globally among causes of premature death — but the leading cause in Nepal — the dialogue stressed the need for initiatives beginning at school and university levels. Speakers emphasised intergovernmental coordination, inclusion of practical and technical training alongside theoretical knowledge, revision of the existing partial curriculum, and nationwide implementation across all school levels. Organised by the Nepal Automobiles Association (NASA Nepal), the programme saw participation from the Curriculum Development Center, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Department of Roads, and mayors, deputy mayors, and senior officials from Dhulikhel, Budhanilkantha, Kageshwari Manohara, and Changunarayan municipalities. Principals, university professors, journalists, victim families, experts, and rights advocates were also present.

Senior figures from the education sector, including representatives from HISSAN, PABSON, school operators, police officials, NASA Foundation, Youth for Road Safety Nepal, Nepal Parliament Secretariat, National Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Mobility Nepal, Cycle Culture Movement Nepal, and Tribhuvan University, also attended. Chaired by NASA Nepal President Dasharath Risal, the event featured presentations by road safety PhD scholar Bhagwati Sedai; Curriculum Development Center Director Dinanath Gautam; Senior Superintendent of Police Saroj Giri of the Highway Safety and Traffic Directorate; Youth for Road Safety Nepal’s Kiran Dhital; and NASA Foundation Nepal’s Subash Bhattarai.

Their presentations focused on the role of the education and academic sector in road safety. Similarly, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat Rojanath Pandey; Dhulikhel Mayor Ashok Byanju; Budhanilkantha Mayor Mitharam Adhikari; Kageshwari Manohara Deputy Mayor Shanta Thapa; Professor Dr. Rohit Kumar Pokhrel from the National Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Mobility; and others shared their views and experiences. Road accident victims, journalist Rabin Thapaliya, Dr. Taralal Shrestha, teacher Manju Chitrakar, HISSAN Vice-President Ramhari Silwal, and road safety campaigner Saroj Khanal said such policy-level discussions could become a milestone for Nepal’s road safety.

Coordinated by NASA Nepal Executive Director Govinda Bhattarai, the event also formed a working group comprising Dr. Bhagwati Sedai, Manju Chitrakar, and Kamala Kshetri. The task force will draft proposals, lobby for reforms, and facilitate the implementation of a road safety curriculum from primary to university levels. According to a press statement issued by NASA Nepal, the event—supported by the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grant Program and the FIA Foundation—was held under NASA Nepal’s campaign “Voice of Youth for Safe and Sustainable Mobility,” with participation from more than three dozen individuals.