Federal Government to Transfer Roads and Bridges to Provinces as Part of Decentralization of Infrastructure

In a significant step toward implementing federalism in Nepal's transport infrastructure, the federal government has initiated the transfer of roads and bridges, excluding national highways, to provincial governments. The move follows a high-level meeting chaired by Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Devendra Dahal, which included provincial ministers and secretaries.

The decision aligns with the constitutional mandate to devolve power and strengthen federal governance. Minister Dahal emphasized that beyond construction, the maintenance and preservation of physical infrastructure demand coordinated effort among all three tiers of government.

According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Roads has traditionally overseen the maintenance of both national highways and subsidiary routes. However, provinces including Koshi, Bagmati, and Sudurpashchim have already formalized their jurisdiction over certain road networks by publishing relevant notices in their respective gazettes. Similar preparations are underway in other provinces.

As part of this shift, ownership of eligible roads will be officially transferred to provincial governments beginning in the current fiscal year 2025/26. Roads requested by provinces will continue to be maintained by the Department of Roads during this transitional period. However, starting from July 17, 2026, responsibility for these roads will mandatorily fall under the respective provincial ministries.

Additionally, roads developed under the Electoral Constituency Strategic Road Program, once completed, will be handed over to the concerned provincial and local governments for maintenance. Bridges completed under the Local Road Bridge Program will also be transferred to local or provincial authorities for continued operation and upkeep.

A technical committee has also been formed to recommend specific modalities for the handover process. The committee is coordinated by the Deputy Director General of the Department of Roads' Maintenance Division, with representation from all provincial ministries, the Municipal Association, and the National Association of Rural Municipalities.