Risk Assessment of Urban Road Safety and Risk Reduction Measures: A Study of Selected Sections of Kathmandu’s City Roads

Road safety is a growing concern in rapidly urbanising cities, particularly in South Asia and regions with similar urban development challenges. This study developed a data-driven framework for assessing road safety risks, applied to three major roads in Kathmandu, Nepal: Kalimati to Balkhu, Chabahil to Boudha, and Durbar Marg to Kesar Mahal. Using two models, Branch Index Risk (BIR) and Section Index Risk (SIR), high-risk segments were identified. The findings indicate that Kalimati to Balkhu Road has the highest risk (BIR: 37.82%), followed by Chabahil to Boudha Road (BIR: 36.28%) and Durbar Marg to Kesar Mahal Road (BIR: 15.71%). Key contributing factors include inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, poor visibility, steep slopes, and missing signage. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as improved crossings and enhanced signage, to safeguard vulnerable road users (VRUs). While based in the Kathmandu, Nepal context, the proposed framework and findings are applicable to cities in regions experiencing similar urbanisation and infrastructure deficits. Future studies should integrate behavioural and environmental factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of road safety risks.