Invited perspectives: Mountain roads in Nepal at a new crossroads

Abstract

Abstract. The One Belt, One Road (OBOR) policy, one of China's most ambitious foreign investment and policy initiatives, portends significant changes in the social, cultural and critically, the physical landscape of Nepal, which became a signatory in May 2017. The small, mountainous nation is sandwiched between the massive Indian and Chinese economies and the roads that link these two signify vehicles of change. There are plans for expanding several major trunk roads to pass from Tibet to India along existing routes that are already being impacted by increased trade, and the recent landslide victory of the left alliance (Communist and Maoists Centre) auger greater openness toward China. Rural villages adjacent to these roads will undoubtedly continue to tie into these roads via a network of poorly constructed feeder (rural) roads which are likely to increase environmental, economic and human risks associated with roadside landslides. This commentary elaborates on the above issues based on research on the occurrence of roads and landslides in Nepal with recommendations for improved road governance.

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