Role of transportation in society

Transportation moves people, goods and information; it is the backbone of the social and economic life of any country.

Economic role

• Trade and markets: takes raw materials to industry and products to markets; allows large-scale production and regional specialisation.
• Employment and income: gives jobs in construction, driving, repair and trade; raises rural income.
• Agricultural development: farm produce reaches markets before it spoils, and inputs (fertiliser, seed) reach farmers.
• Industrial development: industries are located where transport is available.
• Tourism: access to Pokhara, Lumbini, the Everest region etc. earns foreign currency.
• Land value: land near roads gains value.

Social role

• Access to health, education and services; helps in disaster relief.
• National unity: links distant regions and communities and helps cultural exchange.
• Improves living standards and reduces the isolation of remote areas.
• Allows people to move for jobs and settlement.

Political and defence role

• Administration and security forces can reach all areas; roads to the border are strategically important.

In the development of a country

Developed nations have dense transport networks. For Nepal, the east-west Mahendra Highway, the north-south corridors (Kodari, Kerung, Kaligandaki) and the other strategic roads are the base of national development. However, poorly planned transport can also lead to accidents, pollution and congestion, so planning must be balanced.