Tourist hubs into vehicle-free zone

KMC plans to declare Thamel and KDS vehicle restricted zones

Bishnu Prasad Aryal
Kathmandu, May 19

With a big plan of developing parking system, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is planning to launch a substantial project to declare the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel vehicle restricted zones.

“The KMC is all set to develop the Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu) Durbar Square and Thamel as tourist hub with artful stone paving for heritage walk route,” said Devendra Dongol, senior planner at the Physical Development and Construction Department, KMC. “For this purpose, we have a grand plan of setting up parking system in Kathmandu,” Dongol told this daily.

Dongol said the KMC and the Asian Development Bank are working together to materialise the concept. “The ADB has already approved the proposal to study on the plan. We are carrying out a feasible study on the project from August,” said Dongol. “The report will be submitted in six months,” he added.

According to the KMC, only the pedestrians will be allowed in the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square and Thamel. “All of these areas will be paved with artful stones linking to each other temples, palaces, heritage sites and historical monuments,” said Dongol.

The KDS is enlisted under the UNESCO world heritage site while Thamel is popularly known as the centre of tourists.

Making plan was not enough for developing the city, he said. “So we will work to develop the special parking areas near by these places.”

He said that three parking areas would be developed at Khulamancha, Mahankal to Shaheed Gate and the Social Welfare Council, Lainchaur. “Underground and surface parking lots will be constructed at Mahankal to Shaheed Gate and Lainchaur,” said Dongol.

The Ministry of Finance has responded positively about the land of the Social Welfare Council to build parking place while Army Headquarters is also positive about the side of Tundhikhel for using to develop parking station, according to Dongol.

The proposed project ‘Sustainable Transport Project (Parking/Pedestrians) will also include management of the hazardous parking spree everywhere in the valley. “We can see parking encroachment at New Road, Khichapokhari, and other commercial areas,” he said. “This will study on the whole parking system of the valley, identify the problems and recommend proper places for developing parking stations.”

Under-secretary Shaligram Rijal, assistant executive of the KMC, said, “We’re planning on it to approve in the annual budget and consulting with the donors.” “The report will recommend all plans including financial need. After the submission of study report, it will be forwarded for the implementation,” Rijal added.

This news article was published in THE HIMALAYAN TIMES, dated May 20, 2009.