Kathmandu, Aug. 6 -- The government has prepared a new master plan to reshape Kathmandu Valley's road infrastructure and urban transport system over the next 25 years, proposing major investments in mass transit, road upgrades and traffic management to cope with rapid urban growth.

Prepared by Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport with technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the blueprint is the fourth comprehensive transport master plan for the Valley after similar studies in 1993, 2012 and 2017. Unlike earlier versions, officials expect the latest report to receive Cabinet approval, allowing it to guide transport development until 2050.

The plan projects Kathmandu Valley's population to...