Transportation network analysis in Nepal: a step toward critical infrastructure protection

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure is vital for a nation to function smoothly. However, transportations systems are vulnerable to both natural and man-made hazards and breakdowns can have severe consequences. Therefore, it is important that they are protected and resilient against various types of harmful events. Using a graph-theoretic/social network approach, this study finds that the road and aviation networks of Nepal are different in terms of topology and the influence of nodes vary substantially between and across these networks. While Nepal’s strategic road network is generally robust and the influential nodes are well distributed spatially, the aviation network is less robust and there exists a single dominant node. The enactment of two national policy actions and the adoption of a new disaster response framework indicate that the Government of Nepal is concerned about the national consequences of calamities on these networks as well as responses in the aftermath of a disastrous event. However, the Government lacks a clear plan for protecting these critical infrastructures or limiting the consequential effects. This study provides some first step guidance for the Government of Nepal in developing a prioritization in the transportation element of a critical infrastructure protection plan intended to ensure resiliency against disruption and failure.