Highlights

• NAIMA partners with Kathmandu Traffic Police for a five year training agreement
• 1,651 traffic officers will receive regular skill upgrades starting mid 2025
• Curriculum covers stress management, modern traffic tech, conflict resolution and hands‑on road safety drills
• Training led by Institute of Engineering Pulchowk, Thapathali and NAIMA member experts
• Each 17‑day session hosts 100 officers, totaling over 1,600 participants per cycle
• Initiative aims to cut urban accidents by at least 10 % within three years
• Sets a benchmark for industry‑government collaboration in Nepal’s mobility sector

A new chapter for Nepal’s roads

When the chief of the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) shook hands with the senior traffic officer of Kathmandu Valley, the headline was clear: a five‑year strategic MOU designed to turn traffic officers into mobility specialists. The agreement, signed by Police Chief Danbahadur Karki and NAIMA board member Saurabh Jyoti, promises regular, hands‑on training for the entire force of 1,651 officers serving the valley.

Background of NAIMA

Founded in the early 1990s, NAIMA has grown from a small dealer lobby into the voice of every major car, bike and commercial vehicle importer in Nepal. Its members range from multinational brands to local assemblers. Over the past decade the association has pushed for stricter emissions standards, better after‑sales service and, more recently, a stronger focus on road safety. The new MOU is the latest expression of that safety‑first mindset.

The Five Year MOU Explained

The pact outlines a clear division of labour. NAIMA will provide technical content, subject‑matter experts and the latest vehicle‑technology demonstrations. The Traffic Police will handle participant logistics, monitoring and quality assurance. Training kicks off on the 4th of Magh 2082 (mid‑January 2025) and will run for 17 consecutive days per batch. Each batch welcomes 100 officers, meaning the full complement of the force can be refreshed within two years, with a rolling schedule thereafter.

Training Curriculum and Delivery

Topic	Format	Duration
Stress Management & Mindfulness	Interactive workshop	2 days
Communication & Conflict Resolution	Role‑play scenarios	2 days
New Vehicle Technology (EVs, ADAS)	Theory plus live demo	3 days
Practical Traffic Management	Field drills on busy intersections	5 days
Accident Reduction Techniques	Hands‑on crash‑scene reconstruction	3 days
Hand Gestures & Non‑Verbal Signals	Video analysis & practice	2 days

Experts from Pulchowk Engineering Campus, Thapathali Campus, and senior NAIMA engineers will lead the sessions. Motivational speaker Raman Bhatta adds a human‑touch element, reminding officers that every interaction on the road is a chance to build public trust.

Impact on Road Safety and Industry

Why does this matter to car buyers and enthusiasts? A better‑trained police force can enforce speed limits, manage congested corridors and respond faster to incidents. That translates into smoother journeys for commuters and fewer delays for logistics fleets. For manufacturers, the partnership opens a direct channel to convey upcoming technology trends, such as electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure or advanced driver‑assist systems, directly to the people who regulate them on the ground.

Early indicators are promising. In the first month of pilot sessions, officers reported a 15 % improvement in response time to minor collisions. Traffic flow on the Ring Road improved by 8 % during the training window, according to preliminary data from the Traffic Management Centre.

Looking Ahead: Market and Mobility Implications

The MOU sets a template that other sectors may follow. Imagine a similar partnership for public‑transport operators or for the burgeoning ride‑hailing market. If the accident‑reduction goal of 10 % is achieved, insurance premiums could fall, making car ownership slightly more affordable. Moreover, the exposure of officers to electric‑vehicle (EV) technology may accelerate the rollout of EV‑friendly policies, a win for both manufacturers and environmentally conscious buyers.

In short, the NAIMA‑Traffic Police alliance is more than a training program; it is a strategic lever that could reshape how Nepal’s mobility ecosystem evolves over the next decade. As the first batch of officers steps out of the classroom and back onto the streets, the real test will be whether the lessons stick and the roads feel safer for everyone.