The total number of vehicles registered in Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas increased by nearly 16 percent in the past year, according to the Department of Transportation. At this rate, the number of vehicles on the streets of Kathmandu will double in the next five years. Motorcycles increased by over 20 percent, and two-wheelers now make up nearly 70 percent of all vehicles in the capital.

There are about 50,000 trucks, cars, jeeps and vans in the capital and nearly 136,000 motorcycles. The government registered 369 new diesel mini buses, but is still refusing to allow a prototype electric bus. This means more traffic jams, and more polluted air.