How Better Roads Can Help Reduce Air Pollution in Nepal

Air Pollution in Nepal

Air pollution basically means the air is dirty, full of harmful gases and is dangerous for us to breathe. In Nepal, air pollution in Nepal has increased by a significant amount in the past year, especially in Kathmandu which is the main city of Nepal has been crowned the top position in global air quality index making it officially the most polluted city in the world. This air pollution in Nepal comes from many sources like smoke from fuel powered vehicles, dust from roads, garbage burning, and construction work.

Every day, thousands of vehicles drive through small, broken roads. When roads are not smooth to drive on properly or well-managed, traffic jams happen. And due to jams the cars and bikes have to stop and start again and again, which burns more fuel and thus the vehicles release more harmful smoke into the air which directly increases air pollution in Nepal. This smoke includes dangerous gases that we can’t see but are very bad for our lungs and heart.

People living in polluted areas where the air quality index is high often feel sick more often. Especially the air quality index kathmandu is very high and people here are suffering from coughing, breathing problems, or even more serious diseases. Children and old people are the ones who suffer the most. 

How Poor Roads Make Air Pollution in Nepal Worse

Bad roads are one of the biggest hidden reasons for air pollution in Nepal. The air quality index Kathmandu is very high and poor roads in Nepal is also one of the main reasons as, when roads are broken, full of holes, or full of dust, they cause a lot of problems, not just for drivers, but also for the air we breathe.

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Traffic Jams Increase Smoke which causes air pollution

When roads are narrow or have too many holes, vehicles will have difficulty moving properly. This results in creation of traffic jams. In a traffic jam, vehicles stay running without moving, which burns more fuel and thus releases more smoke (also called vehicle emissions). This smoke contains harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are bad for our lungs and increase air pollution in Nepal.

2. Dust from Roads increase Air Pollution

Broken roads create a lot of dust pollution in Nepal which is one of the reasons for air pollution in Nepal. Every time a vehicle passes over a damaged or unpaved road, it lifts dust into the air. That dust stays in the air and makes it harder for pedestrians to breathe properly. During dry seasons in Kathmandu and other cities, this is one of the biggest reasons the air gets dirty and thus causes an increase in the air quality index kathmandu.

3. More Fuel Used = More Air Pollution in Nepal

Driving on rocky roads means the vehicle has to work harder. The engine uses more fuel, and that produces more harmful smoke. This is bad for the environment and also makes fuel more expensive for people.

4. Damage to Vehicles = More Repairs

When roads are in bad condition to drive properly, vehicles get damaged quickly. Engines become less efficient, which means they produce more air pollution over time. Old and poorly maintained vehicles are one of the biggest sources of air pollution in Nepal.

The Link Between Better Roads and Lesser Air Pollution in Nepal 

When roads are smooth enough to drive without any difficulty, wide enough for many vehicles to drive, and are properly built, they don’t just make travel easier rather they also help keep our air clean and safe. 

Let’s look at how better roads can protect the environment and our health.

1. Less Traffic = Less Smoke

Better roads allow vehicles to move faster and smoother without getting stuck. When there’s less traffic, vehicles don’t waste fuel by staying on without moving and it also drastically reduces the risk of road accidents in Nepal. This means fewer harmful gases are released into the air which basically means less air pollution in Nepal.

2. No Dust Flying Around

Good roads are made with proper pavement and are regularly cleaned. This stops dust from flying into the air every time a vehicle passes by. Less dust means cleaner air which basically means less air pollution in Nepal, especially in dry seasons.

3. Fuel Saving = Less Air Pollution in Nepal

When you drive on a smooth road, your bike or car doesn’t need to work as hard. This saves fuel and creates less smoke. It’s good for both our country and your money.

4. Longer Life for Vehicles

Vehicles last longer when roads are smooth. They don’t break down as much and don’t need to burn extra fuel to move over bumpy, rocky or muddy roads. This means less smoke and fewer needs for repair.

5. Safer for Walking and Cycling

Better roads usually have sidewalks and bike lanes. If people feel safe walking or biking, they might leave their cars at home. Fewer cars on the road means less air pollution in Nepal and also less road accidents in Nepal.

If you are interested in reading about Nepal current road progress do read our article Nepal's Road Networks: Progress and Pitfalls.

Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

Good new roads can really help make the air cleaner. Let’s look at some real examples from Nepal and other places where better roads helped reduce air quality index.

1. Kalanki Road Upgrade – Kathmandu

What changed:
Kalanki used to be a place that was full of traffic jams and smoke from vehicles. After new roads were constructed and a flyover was built, the area improved.

Results:

• Less traffic jam

• Fewer cars sitting with engines on

• Less smoke and dust in the air

People living there say the air feels a bit fresher now, and traveling is quicker than before.

2. Roadside Greenery in Lalitpur

What changed:
Lalitpur started planting trees and grass along some roads.

Results:

• Plants catch dust and clean the air

• Roads feel cooler and look nicer

• Walking became more enjoyable for people

This small step made a big difference in the air quality index there.

3. Dhulikhel to Sindhuli Road (BP Highway)

What changed:
Before, the road was full of dust and hard to drive on. After the new road construction, it became smooth and strong.

Results:

• No more dust from vehicles

• Vehicles run more smoothly and pollute less

• Less time needed to travel, so less fuel is used

Villagers nearby say their homes stay cleaner now, and the air isn’t as dusty as before.

4. Eastern Peripheral Expressway – India

What changed:
Delhi was full of big trucks that caused traffic and smoke. India built a ring road so trucks could go around the city instead of through it.

Results:

• Fewer trucks inside the city

• Cleaner air in crowded areas

• Less noise and less traffic for people living there

This shows how smart road planning can help reduce air pollution

5. Bicycle Lanes in Thamel

What changed:
A small bicycle lane was added in Thamel as a test to enhance eco-friendly travel.

Results:

• Some students and tourists started using bicycles

• Fewer motorbikes means less smoke and noise

If more bike lanes like this are built, the city can become less polluted over time and the air pollution in Nepal will slowly decrease resulting in lower air quality index.

Building Better New Roads, Lower Air Quality Index

Air pollution is a big problem in Nepal, especially in busy cities like Kathmandu where the air quality index is very high even sometimes reaching hazardous levels. A lot of this air pollution in Nepal comes from vehicles that get stuck in traffic, driving on broken roads, or give off smoke while waiting. But there is a way to reduce this which is building better roads that can really help to reduce air pollution in Nepal.

When roads are smooth, wide, and well-planned:

• Vehicles move faster and use less fuel

• There’s less dust from broken or muddy roads

• People are more likely to walk or ride bikes if the roads feel safe

• Public buses and electric vehicles can work better

Nepal is growing fast, and now is the right time to build good new roads—not just for cars, but for everyone. With better new roads, we can reduce air pollution in Nepal, stay healthier, reduce the number of road accidents, and enjoy our beautiful country even more. 

If you have any questions or are confused about anything feel free to contact us we are always here to help you!