WAYS OF TRANSPORT AND ITS LOCATION WITH AREAS

Importance of Transport

Transport is another important infrastructure of development. In fact, without transport, the development of other infrastructures like communication, education, industry, health, etc are not possible. Transport links people and places, enables the movement of raw materials to the factories, finished goods to the market, and promotes trade and business. A country having a good network of transport has rapid and harmonious development. All the developed countries of the world are well advanced in transport compared to the developing countries.

ROADWAYS

Nepal is a landlocked and mountainous country. Roadways are the prominent means of transportation. Railways and waterways are difficult due to steep landform. Airways are expensive to travel for common people.

Prior to 2007 BS, there were only 376 km of roads in Nepal. Now, there has been a considerable development in the construction of roads.

Zone------------------------------------Road

1. Mechi------------------------------------------------------1,075

2. Koshi-------------------------------------------------------1,189

3. Sagarmatha--------------------------------------------------725

4. Janakpur---------------------------------------------------1,320

5. Bagmati---------------------------------------------------- 2,307

6. Narayani--------------------------------------------------- 1,542

7. Gandaki------------------------------------------------------ 801

8. Lumbini --------------------------------------------------- 1,362

9. Dhawalagiri--------------------------------------------------- 73

10. Rapti-------------------------------------------------------- 806

11. Bheri-------------------------------------------------------- 891

12. Karnali----------------------------------------------------- None

13. Seti---------------------------------------------------------- 619

14. Mahakali--------------------------------------------------- 519

Total --------------------------------------------------13,223

Source: Central Bureau of Statistics.

The list of important highways and roads are given below:

S.N. -- Highways/Roads ------------ From ----------- To ------- Length (KM)

1. -- Mahendra Highways ---------------- Mechi ---------- Mahakali -------- 1,030

2. -- Tribhuwan Highways --------------- Kathmandu ---- Birgunj ------------ 189

3. -- Prithvi Highways -------------------- Naubise -------- Pokhara ---------- 173

4. -- Siddhartha Highways --------------- Sunauli --------- Pokhara ---------- 209

5. -- Araniko Highways ------------------ Bhaktapur ------ Kodari ------------ 114

6. -- Bhim Dutta Panta Highways ------ Dhangadi ------- Dadeldhura ------- 140

7. -- Ratna Highways --------------------- Nepalgunj ------ Surkhet ----------- 87

8. -- Madan-Ashrit Highways ----------- Mugling -------- Narayangadh -------- 36

9. -- Pushpalal Highways ---------------- Ramechhap ---- Lamosanghu --------- 130

10. - BP Koirala Highways -------------- Banepa --------- Bardibas -------------- 159

11. - Madan Bhandari Highways ------- Dharan ---------- Dhankuta ------------- 25

12. - Pasang Lhamu Highways --------- Kathmandu ----- Dhunche ------------- 117

13. - Dashrath Highways ---------------- Dadeldhura ----- Baitadi --------------- 175

14. - Bhupi Sherchan Highways -------- Pokhara -------- Baglung ---------------- 67

Major Problem in the Development of Roadways

· Mountain topography,

· Lack of capital,

· Lack of technical human power,

· Lack of public awareness,

· Unstable government,

· Lack of quality construction of roads.

Solutions

· Use of government and local resources,

· Ensure local participation,

· Raise public awareness,

· Proper use of means and resources,

· Give important to quality construction,

· Stop economic leakages.

Airways

Airways play a significant role where other means of transportation are not possible. Air transportation is very important for the development of national economy.

Air service started in Nepal in 2008 BS. Nepal Airlines cooperation (NAC) has a domestic as well as an international air service having flights to china, India, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Japan etc. Besides NAC, there are many other airlines operating domestic as well as international flights. Domestic air service links Kathmandu with almost all the major towns of the country. There are many private airlines providing services to different parts of the country.

International Airlines having air services to Nepal and India Airlines, Jet Air ways, Biman Bangaladesh, Pakastan internationals Airlines, Thai Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, China South Airlines, Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) Austrian Airlines, gulf Air, Saudi Arabian etc. Some Nepalese Private Airlines, Sita Air, Agni Air.

The development of air services promoted and enhances tourism, which in turn raises the economic condition of the country.

Railways

The construction of railways demands a plain landform whereas most parts of Nepal are full of steep hills and mountains. Only 17% of the total landform is plain in terai. The first railways service began in Nepal in 1985 BS. It was 50 KM long, running from Raxaul (India) to Amlekhgung (Nepal). It was called Nepal Government Railways (NGR). However, the service was discontinuous after the development of good roadways on the same route. The only railways lines which Nepal has at present in Nepal Janakpur Jaynagar Railway (NJJR). It was constructed in 1992 BS. It is 53 KM long. This railways service still exists.

Ropeways

Ropeways are very reliable means of transport, especially to carry load in the mountains areas.

The first ropeway service started in Nepal in 1986 BS from Dhursing to Matatirtha. But, it was operated for a short time only. There was one rope way from Hetauda to Kathmandu. Ropeways was built in 2002 BS. Hetauda to Kathmandu ropeways is not in operation now. Realizing its importance, the government is planning to install a ropeway from Surkhet to Jumla.

In the year 2055 BS, a private cable car service for pilgrims to visit the famous temple Manakamana has been launched from Kurintar (Chitwan) to Manakamana (Gorkha). This cable car covers the distance of 3.1 kilometer.

Waterways

Waterways are the least expensive means of transport in the world. Any countries that have access to any sea or the ocean are mostly developed.

There are about six-thousand big and small rivers in Nepal. In spite of having huge sources of water, why do we lag behind in waterways? The simple answer is, first, Nepal is full of steep hills and mountains, second, most of the rivers are swift flowing due to mountainous topography.

Rivers are mainly used for boating and rafting. Boating is done in Koshi, Narayani and southern part of Karnali river. Rivers Trisuli, Gandaki and Bhote Koshi are used for rafting. Both, boating and rafting, are the souces of tourist attraction. The government is planning to develop waterways from Ramdighat to Narayanghat and from Narayanghat to Bhainsalotan covering 185 kilometer in the near future.

Example:
Transport in Maya’s district
Maya Lame is from Manang district. Her district is not linked with road transport. She has not seen trucks, buses, motorcars and motorcycles in her district. But she had a chance to see an aeroplane when she visited her uncle’s home in Jomsom. People carry goods on their backs in villages and mountain belts. Horses, yaks and sheep are the only means of transport in her district. Maya has learnt many things about transport from her friend Prapti Yadav who lives in Janakpur.

Transport in Prapti Yadav’s district
Prapti Yadav is from Dhanusa district, Janakpur Dhum. Janakpur is one of the famous towns. There are many buses, trucks, motors and rickshaws on the road. There is an airport at Janakput. Janakpur-Jainagar railway passes from her town. Sometimes she goes to Jainagar by train to buy some goods. Last month, she visited her cousin sister in Kathmandu. Then she also traveled on cable car in Kurintar with her uncle, aunt and cousin sister. They don’t have sea. Hence they don’t have ships and can’t enjoy voyages. Nepal is a land-locked country.

HEALTH STATUS IN NEPAL

The literary meaning of health is the state of being physically and mentally fit. Health is considered as another most important infrastructure of development. Even the educated people need to be healthy in order to study and work and to be happy.

“A sound mind in a sound body” should be the motto of a happy life. It is indeed true that only a person with a sound mind and a sound body can think and act rationally. Education without good health is meaningless and worthless. Only the healthy human power can lead the country to the path of development by utilizing their power of knowledge and creativity.

Every country requires healthy human resources. Health of the people depends upon the availability of health services.

Health Services in the Past
Before 2007 BS, there were limited health services. The population was limited and the environment was clean and pollution free. The people of that time were healthy. They ate fresh and hygienic food. They were immune to many kinds of diseases. They hardly fell sick. They depended on Ayurvedic medicines. Bir Hostpital is the oldest hospital of the country of Nepal. It was established in 1947 BS, by Prime Minister Bir Shumsher.

Health Services at Present
At present, Nepal is facing the problems of population growth and environmental pollution. Health facilities are inadequate for the growing population. Majority of the people are suffering from poverty and illiteracy. They have poor idea of health and sanitation. There is high infant, child and maternal death rate. Infants and children suffer from polio, tuberculosis, diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, encephalitis, etc. Many die due to the lack of maternal care.

PROBLEMS IN HEALTH SECTOR
• There are not enough hospitals, health posts and health centres specially in the remote areas.
• Medical treatment and facilities are not available as required.
• Doctors and health workers hesitate to go to remote areas.
• Rural people mostly rely on witch doctors or Dhami-Jhankri.
• People in remote and rural areas themselves are less interested to get treatment in hospitals or health posts.
• Private hospitals in urban areas are too expensive for common people.
• Government hospitals are not well-equipped and service-oriented.

SOLUTIONS
1. Provision should be made to establish well-facilitated hospitals and health posts in remote areas.
2. Medicines and medical equipment must be made available when required.
3. The doctors and health workers should be encourage to go to remote areas with good incentives.
4. Programmes should be conducted to raise public awareness about medical treatment, health and sanitation.
5. Health sectors should not be commercial.
6. Government hospitals should be well-equipped and service oriented so that maximum people can benefit.

HEALTH SERVICES IN NEPAL
1. Hospitals--------------------------------------83.
2. Health Posts----------------------------------700.
3. Health Centres-------------------------------10.
4. Primary Health Centres---------------------180.
5. Doctors-------------------------------------5415.
6. Nurses--------------------------------------9146.
7. Health assistants----------------------------5259.
8. Ayurvedic service centres-------------------287.
9. Health Workers----------------------------3190.
Source: Health Ministry, Central Bureau of Statistics

Policy and Effort in Health Services
The government of Nepal has set up Ministry of Health to formulate plans and policies to maintain and promote better health of the people.

Tribhuwan Uneversity (TU) has a Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj. TU also runs an Ayurvedic college in Kathmandu.

The government has also given approval and recognition to different medical colleges run under BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Kathmandu University.

Besides, there are many specialized hospitals such as eye hospitals, dental hospitals, etc.

Along with the efforts made by the government, many international agencies like WHO, UNICEF, UMN, INF, etc are giving valuable services to our country in the medical field. Several NGOs, INGOs, associations, and clubs are providing voluntary services to promote the health sector.

Example:
Gopal Shrestha is a student of class 7 in Mahendra Secondary School. He has visited a health post of his village and brought the following facts about it.
1. Name of the health post: Janak Health Post, Hadikhola
2. Date of establishment: 2047 B.S.
3. Working Days: Sunday to Friday (10a.m to 3p.m.)
4. Number of Staff: Emergency service available on Saturday.

Post ----------------------------- No.
Chief ---------------------------- 1
Assistant Health Worker ----- 3
A.N.M. -------------------------- 2
Social Health Worker --------- 4
Sudeni --------------------------- 2
Peon ----------------------------- 2
Total ---------------------------- 14

5. The following services are available:
i. All types of vaccinations for children
ii. Dressing of wound and sores.
iii. Treatment for stomachache, fever and headache.
iv. Treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.
v. Treatment for hookworm, tapeworm, roundworm especially for children.
vi. Services for family planning.

6. Services free of Charges:
i. All vaccines for infants and children.
ii. Temporary means of family planning.
iii. Medicines for fever, headache stomach ache etc.
iv. Medicine for leprosy.
v. Jeevan Jal, Vitamin ‘A’ capsule.
vi. Bulletins related to health education.

DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Introduction of Education
Development of a community and a nation as a whole depends upon its infrastructure. Infrastructure is considered as the pillar of development. Infrastructure refers to essential factors needed for development like education, health facilities, transport, communication, etc.
Who is responsible to develop these infrastructures? The simple answer is quality human resources that is quality human resources that are skilled and trained in their professions, like teachers, doctors, engineers, mechanic, lawyers, etc. what can provide such skilled human resources? Only education can provide such skilled quality human resources. Education can make citizens aware, conscious, intelligent, creative, responsible, independent and hard working. Such human qualities can utilize the means and resources of the country for development. Such quality human resources can bring about positive social changes and promote economic development of a country. The countries of the world are categorized into two groups: developed and developing, based on the level of development. The most important measuring rod for development is ‘Education’. Thus, the development of any country depends upon infrastructure like education.

HISTORY OF EDUCATION
In the earlier days there were no formal institutions like schools and colleges to impart education. Education was imparted in religious institutions like Ashram, Monastery, Church and Madarsa. Pupils learnt about the holy scripts, and religious rites and rituals from their teachers. The medium of education was Sanskrit.

Dawn of Modern Education
Junga Bahadur Rana initiated English education after his visit to the European countries. He established English school in 1910 BS at Thapathali only for his family. Later, the school was shifted to the western side of Ranipokhari by Prime Minister Bir Shumsher. It was named Durbar High School. Today, it is called Bhanubhakta Secondary School.

Balguru Khadananda was the pioneer to establish Sanskrit School at Dingla, Bhojpur in 1932 BS. Two years later, in 1934 BS, Ranodip Singh established another Sanskrit school in Kathmandu.

In 1958 BS, Prime Minister Dev Shumsher established about a hundred schools within and outside the Kathmandu valley. In 1975 BS, Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher established the first college in Kathmandu valley, in the name of the then King Tribhuvan and on his own name and called it Tri-Chandra College. His son-in-law, king of Bajhang, Jay Prithvi Bahadur Singh published various books for school children and civil servants.

The year 1990 BS is considered as a landmark in education in Nepal, with the establishment of the SLC Board.


DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN EDUCATION
The wave of education spread throughout the country with the advent of democracy in 2007 BS. The government and the people became more aware of the importance of education. At that time, the literacy rate of Nepal was about two percent only. The government formulated plans to educate people. Nowadays, the education sector is developing rapidly due to involvement of private sectors in imparting quality education.

Important Phases of Educational Development in Nepal:
1. 1910 BS : Establishment of Durbar High School
2. 1932 BS : Establishment of Sanskrit School at Dingla, Bhojpur
3. 1958 BS : Beginning of Language Schools
4. 1975 BS : Establishment of Tri-Chandra College
5. 1990 BS : Establishment of the SLC Board
6. 2028 BS : Implementation of National Education System Plan
7. 2038 BS : Curriculum Implementation Plan
8. 2049 BS : Report of National Education Commission
9. 2055 BS : Report of High level National Education Commission

Utility of Education
i. To gain Knowledge
ii. To gain skills
iii. To get better job
iv. To be able to change the society
v. To develop social awareness
vi. To have a good social status
vii. To help conserve the national and public properties
viii. To be a good citizen of a country
ix. To be able to make wise decision


No. of Primary Schools in Nepal ----------- 25,927
No. of Secondary Schools in Nepal ---------- 4,450
Source: Education Bulletin 2063


Example:
1. Dali’s Village
Dali Gurung is from Parsa VDC. There are three primary schools and one secondary school in her village. Many people have passed S.L.C from that school. A few are under S.L.C. Still they have taken some training and developed their skills. All are busy in her village. Some have returned after completing their higher education. They are qualified manpower working in schools, health post, post office, banks, industries and social services. People are very co-operative. They are united and work together to construct roads, to preserve public property and even clean the village. Every home has the facility of clean drinking water. People immediately go to health post if they become sick. Her village is alcohol free zone. So people do not take wine and quarrel with each other. Everybody is happy there. There is religious tolerance among people. People do not fight for the sake of religion. They respect each other. Her village is near the preservation of forest. They are very conscious about the forest. People say Dali’s village is just like a heaven.


2. Dilamaya’s Village
Dilamaya is from Bharta village. Her village is in the remote area of Nepal. Unfortunately, there is no school in her village. Most of the people are illiterate. A few are educated, but they live outside the village. Many people are unemployed and spend their time uselessly by drinking wine and gambling. They quite often quarrel with each other. They have no courtesy and good conduct. They always use vulgar words and are very unfriendly with outsiders. The whole village is full of solid waste. Because of the unhealthy environment, people often get sick. They do not like to visit doctors. They prefer to visit witch doctors. Children suffer from diarrhea and dysentery because of impure drinking water. There is a lack of co-operation among people. They fight with each other in the name of religion. Development work is also lagging behind due to the lack of education. People use the roadside and surrounding areas for toilet. There is no electricity in that village. People are below the poverty line. Production of crops is very low.