Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by alizni
In light of potential adverse weather impacts stemming from Cyclone Arnab, the Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (FNTE) has issued an urgent public notice urging transport operators and drivers across the nation to exercise extreme caution while operating vehicles. The national transport body emphasized that heightened vigilance is essential to prevent accidents, safeguard passengers, and ensure smooth traffic flow along key highway networks during severe weather conditions.
The official advisory, released by FNTE General Secretary Deknath Gautam, calls upon all regional committees, transport entrepreneurs, bus operators, and commercial drivers to continuously monitor weather forecasts and assess road vulnerabilities before sending vehicles on long-distance routes. With unpredictable precipitation and atmospheric disturbances linked to Cyclone Arnab, transportation authorities warn that standard driving practices may not be sufficient to navigate slippery roads, reduced visibility, and potential natural hazards.
Understanding Cyclone Arnab and Its Potential Impact on Travel
Cyclonic disturbances in the region frequently trigger erratic weather patterns across Nepal, bringing localized heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, dense fog, and sudden temperature fluctuations. When coastal or bay cyclones move inland, their remnant moisture interacts with mountain topography, often creating intense precipitation zones over hilly terrains and highway corridors.
For Nepal’s transport sector, these weather events pose severe challenges. Major arterial highways connecting Kathmandu to outer districts—such as the Prithvi Highway, Tribhuvan Rajpath, Narayanghat-Mugling road stretch, and the BP Highway—are particularly susceptible to weather-induced hazards. Prolonged rainfall quickly saturates hillsides, causing sudden landslides, mudflows, and rockfalls that can block roads or engulf vehicles. Additionally, flash floods in river valleys can damage bridge approaches and submerge low-lying road segments without early warning.
Key Advisories for Vehicle Operators and Commercial Drivers
To mitigate risks and protect human lives, FNTE has outlined several precautionary guidelines for drivers and transport firms operating during this alert period. Transport professionals are advised to strictly adhere to the following measures:
1. Comprehensive Pre-Trip Maintenance Checks: Before initiating any journey, drivers must inspect crucial safety systems, including braking mechanisms, tire tread depth, windshield wipers, defoggers, headlights, and tail lamps. Operating a vehicle with worn-out tires or faulty brakes during heavy rainfall exponentially increases the likelihood of hydroplaning and serious collisions.
2. Route Assessment and Real-Time Weather Tracking: Transport entrepreneurs and driver teams are urged to gather real-time updates regarding road status from local police posts, traffic control units, and division road offices prior to departure. If a particular highway segment is reported to have active landslides or rising water levels, trips should be postponed or rerouted through safer alternative passages.
3. Avoidance of Night Driving in High-Risk Zones: Nighttime travel along winding mountain passes becomes exceptionally hazardous under storm conditions. Reduced visibility, coupled with the inability to spot falling rocks or sudden road breaches, significantly elevates risk levels. Operators are encouraged to restrict long-distance mountain travel to daylight hours whenever feasible.
4. Strict Speed Management and Safe Following Distances: Wet asphalt reduces tire traction dramatically, extending braking distances. Drivers must maintain moderate speeds well below posted limits and double the traditional safety distance between vehicles to allow adequate reaction time in emergency situations.
Passenger Responsibilities and Community Cooperation
While transport operators bear a primary responsibility for passenger safety, commuters and travellers also play a vital role in maintaining overall safety during cyclone-affected travel periods. Travellers are strongly advised to delay non-essential travel until atmospheric conditions stabilize and highway authorities declare routes fully safe.
Passengers who must travel should stay in regular communication with transport booking counters, carry necessary emergency supplies (including adequate warm clothing, bottled water, dry snacks, and portable chargers), and remain patient if journeys are delayed due to precautionary stoppages. Cooperating with traffic police checkpoints and respecting travel halts mandated by safety personnel is critical to preventing traffic jams on vulnerable mountain slopes.
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness in Nepal’s Transport Sector
The proactive alert issued by the Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs highlights a growing recognition of climate-induced travel risks in Nepal. As severe weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, standardizing early warning protocols within the public transport ecosystem is essential for long-term resilience.
Moving forward, enhanced coordination between the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Nepal Police Highway Safety units, and private transport federations will be crucial. Installing automated weather stations along high-density transport corridors, expanding digital public notification boards, and deploying emergency heavy equipment at known landslide hotspots can significantly minimize stranded vehicles and prevent casualties during future storm systems like Cyclone Arnab.
Conclusion
The call for high alert by the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs Federation serves as a timely reminder of the extreme hazards associated with travel during severe weather events. By adhering strictly to safety advisories, maintaining mechanical integrity of vehicles, exercising patience on the roads, and prioritizing human safety above schedules, transport operators and passengers alike can navigate the threats posed by Cyclone Arnab responsibly and securely.