Multimodal transportation, as known in occident, is the combination of various long distance modes of transport such as rail, bus, aero planes as well as short distance modes as taxis, bike sharing system or scooter. In Nepal you can also combine rickshaws, tempos, motor cycles in the same way as bicycles.
Choice of different modes of transport to be used from origin to final destination largely depends on the geographical situation, the infra-structure for the transport as well as the zonal practice of different modes in a country. Nepal is a land locked country lying between two giant countries: India and china. Transportation between China and Nepal is a very hazardous task because most of the border lies in the mountainous region and construction of transport infra-structure is very costly and difficult.
Freight containers used for international transport essentially use ship, train, and truck from and till India. The only means in Nepal is the Trucks. Once the container arrives at destination, products are then distributed towards many commercial actors using mini-trucks, jeeps as well as rickshaws.
Public multimodal transportation system is an integrated approach of different modes of transport, with the use of their efficient use from an origin to a destination in the urban as well as rural region of a country. Multiple government as well as private agencies should work together in harmony for efficient use of available transport resources. Being a land locked country most of the modes of transport are for road users.
A rickshaw in Kathmandu valley :
In Nepal public transport can be distinguished in two categories: urban and metropolitan transport. Citizens living in big cities can use different combination of modes as bus, mini-bus, micro-bus, tempos (three wheeled motored vehicle), motor cycles, rickshaws (tri-cycle) as well as bi-cycles for their daily use saving time and money. Most actors of transport are independent and there is little harmony among them. To insure a better utility and availability there has to be efficient connections among different modes of transport. Each mode has its own fixed routes and schedules but they rarely leave on time until full of passengers. Usually the modes of transport are crowded and without comfort. Rental cars with driver or taxis can be used as a comfortable means but remains very costly. Since there is no underground transport in the country, daily mobility of citizens brings a very congested traffic during peak hours. Information of transport modes, their routes as well as schedules is almost non-existent and each passenger will have to get the necessary information from each actor of transport personally.
Some micro-bus in Kathmandu valley :
Long distance bus services are better organized and have more or less fixed courses and schedules. Bus services cover most of the road-accessible destinations. They are slow uncomfortable and often stop frequently to take short distance passengers as well as live stocks and vegetables. Tourist buses are another option to the public buses and are much more comfortable despite the elevated cost. Rental cars, taxis can also be used for greater distance.
Roads are very vulnerable to users as most of the roads are in the mountainous region. Flying is relatively safe. Many airline companies operate in the country. Availability of flights depends on the weather conditions. The flight has to be booked in advance. To visit remote areas chartered helicopters can also be used. The possibility of landing safely in a small space makes them very useful for an emergency transport. They are also widely used for sightseeing in the Himalayas and to have a close look of Mount Everest.
A long range public bus :
A long distance public bus :
Par Krishna Adhikari, le 26 May 2015
