---
title: "Key features of infrastructure development policies"
subject: "Technology, Environment and Society"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_7/technology_environment_and_society:infrastructure-development-policies"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/infrastructure-development-policies
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Key features of infrastructure development policies

Technology, Environment and Society · Chapter 2: Development Approach

- Asked in: 2070 Chaitra, 7 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/infrastructure-development-policies
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/chapter-2

## Question

What are the key features of infrastructure development policies of Nepal?

## Short answer

Key features are decentralised planning, the LEP approach, users' committees with cost sharing, use of local resources and appropriate technology, prioritisation of backward areas, social inclusion, maintenance funds, transparency, PPP/FDI, strategic national projects, and disaster-resilient, environment-friendly design.

## Answer

Infrastructure development policies of Nepal are the guiding principles the government follows to plan, build, finance and maintain roads, bridges, irrigation, drinking water, energy, airports and communication. They are set out mainly in the **Constitution of Nepal (2072)** (directive principles on balanced and sustainable infrastructure), the **Local Infrastructure Development Policy (LIDP), 2061**, the **National Transport Policy, 2058**, the **Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act, 2075**, the **Local Government Operation Act, 2074** and the periodic plans (the 15th Plan, 2076/77–2080/81, and the 16th Plan from 2081/82).

#### Key features

1. **Decentralised planning and ownership** – local infrastructure (rural roads, small irrigation, drinking water, trails, bridges) is planned and run by local governments; federal and provincial governments handle national and provincial projects.
2. **LEP approach** – works should be **Labour-based, Environment-friendly and Participatory**: use local labour and simple tools wherever technically possible, avoid damage to slopes, forests and rivers, and involve the people in every stage.
3. **People's participation and users' committees** – users form a committee that helps select, build, monitor and maintain the project; users share part of the cost in cash, labour or materials.
4. **Use of local resources, skills and appropriate technology** – local stone, timber, labour and know-how reduce cost and keep money in the village.
5. **Prioritisation and balanced development** – projects are ranked by need, cost-effectiveness and number of beneficiaries; backward, remote and disadvantaged areas get priority to reduce regional imbalance.
6. **Social inclusion and gender equality** – women, Dalits, Janajatis and the poor must be represented in users' committees and get a share of jobs and benefits.
7. **Sustainability and maintenance** – a maintenance plan and fund are part of every project; maintenance gets priority over new construction.
8. **Transparency and good governance** – public hearing, public audit, social audit and display boards at sites.
9. **Private sector and foreign investment** – large projects (hydropower, highways, airports, transmission lines) may use PPP, BOOT and FDI through the Investment Board Nepal.
10. **Strategic national projects** – National Pride Projects and "game changer" projects (highways, railways, airports, big hydro and irrigation schemes) get assured budget and fast-track handling.
11. **Disaster resilience and environment** – EIA/IEE is compulsory (Environment Protection Act, 2076) and structures must follow building codes and climate-resilient design.

#### Short summary

| Area | Policy direction |
|---|---|
| Planning | Bottom-up, local level first |
| Technology | Labour-based, appropriate |
| People | Users' committee, cost sharing |
| Equity | Priority to remote and poor areas |
| Finance | Government, users, PPP, FDI |
| Upkeep | Maintenance fund and plan |

Together these features aim at infrastructure that is cheap, owned by the community, kind to the fragile mountain environment and able to create local jobs.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a main source of Nepal's infrastructure policy?
   A. Local Infrastructure Development Policy (LIDP), 2061
   B. Nepal Road Safety Act only
   C. Labour Act 2048
   D. The Education Act
   Answer: A. LIDP 2061 is a main document, along with the Constitution, Transport Policy, PPP Act and plans. (Key point: Policy sources)

2. Under prioritisation and balanced development, which areas get priority?
   A. Already developed cities
   B. Backward, remote and disadvantaged areas
   C. Only the capital region
   D. Areas with the fewest beneficiaries
   Answer: B. Projects are ranked by need, cost-effectiveness and beneficiaries, with priority to remote areas to reduce regional imbalance. (Key point: Balanced development)

3. What does the policy require for users' committees?
   A. Only male leaders
   B. Only landowners
   C. Representation of women, Dalits, Janajatis and the poor, with a share of jobs and benefits
   D. No committees
   Answer: C. Social inclusion and gender equality are policy features. (Key point: Social inclusion)

## Related in Technology, Environment and Society

- [Infrastructure policies and FY 2078/79 budget](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Ainfrastructure-policies-budget) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 2
- [LEP approach in infrastructure development](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Alep-infrastructure-development) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 2

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