Background
The Nepal Transportation and Development Research Centre (NTDRC) is the spin off non-profit company which has its roots in the Nepal Engineering College (NEC). Two pioneers - Dr Chandra Bahadur Shrestha and Late Prof. Deepak Bhattarai, the NEC's founding principal envisioned that research and academic programmes have to march hand in hand. Such a symbiotic relation not only nourishes academic programme but also underpins the industry sophistically. At present, the NTDRC has expanded such mutualistic relationship not only with NEC but also with other relevant academic and professional organisations. Mr. Naresh Kumar Shrestha was one of the promoters of this flagship initiative. Other prominent personalities such as Mr. Madan Gopal Maleku, the former Director General of the Department of Roads (DoR) and Dr. Padma Shahi, the academician and professional in the transportation engineering field also joined the wagan later. More lately, our current Managing Director Mr. Ram Chandra Shrestha joined NTDRC after retiring from the Government of Nepal as Joint Secretary.
Our Dreams
After dedicating decades in national development, we realized that only transport sector can catalyze growth and prosperity. In order to kick off national and international discourse towards sustainable transport system, we waded in a MSc program in the transportation engineering and established the Nepal Transportation and Development Research Centre (NTDRC). The objective was to create synergistic environment between the academic program and research endeavor. The twin initiatives were bred in the womb of the Nepal Engineering College (NEC). Consequently, both NTDRC and NEC executed a number of research initiatives, undertook capacity development interventions which culminated to an international conference in the integrated transport system. However, for allowing further growth, NTDRC was nurtured as an independent institute which at present acts of its own independently.
What we can offer to society?
The crux of the problem persists in Nepal and other developing countries is that the infrastructural sectors have been handled in isolation. Such isolated approach fails to address root causes of underdevelopment and deters progress and prosperity. We not only offer solutions which are economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable but also connect infrastructure with economic and social sectors creating ground for opulent society. We are group of proven planners and engineers who designed and implemented infrastructure projects successfully in the adverse socio-political environment. Some of us came through government channel others through bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental routes. Such a blending of expertise has yielded outcomes that surpasses expectation of our employers. We enjoy a network of national and international organizations and boffins which enables us to draw expertise and learn from their successes and failures. The recipient institutions have appreciated our inputs whole heartedly. Neutrality in our code of conduct and professionalism have been our assets which allow us to work for the cause irrespective of the politically volatile environment
Objectives
- To organize conferences, seminars and workshops on various transport and development issues.
- To collect best practices around the world and act as knowledge repository.
- To liaise closely with national transport related organizations.
- To act as a resource center for government, donors, academic institutions and general public.
- To initiate national debates in the transport and developmental issues.
- To promote a “think tank” in the transportation sector.
- To publish research studies, proceedings and other publications.
- To contribute in local, provincial and regional development planning and capacity development programs.
Our Expertise
We have specific expertise in the areas of:
- Transportation planning and management
- Transportation and development policies and strategies
- Environmental studies
- Social inclusion and governance
- Project design including DPR preparation
- Consulting service for project implementation, civil procurement and construction supervision
- Transport services
- Monitoring and evaluation including technical and financial audit
- Infrastructure for promoting tourism
- Regional development planning and Local Governance
International Linkages
- Via Storia – Switzerland – a specialist organization on historical trails
- Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)