Kathmandu, October 15
Hotels and restaurants operating along highways in Dhading and catering to public transport passengers have been inspected and graded.
The government inspected following growing public complaints that hotels were neglecting hygiene, serving stale and fly-infested food of poor quality, and charging excessive prices for meals and snacks.
The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control inspected and graded 17 hotels and restaurants in the Thakre, Dhunibesi and Galchhi areas of Dhading.
According to the department’s assessment, only two hotels received a ‘good’ rating. Triple Crown Resort Pvt Ltd in Ward 4 of Galchhi Rural Municipality and Transit House Restaurant Pvt Ltd in Ward 1 of Dhunibesi received green stickers (B) with two stars.
Similarly, New Kashthamandap Hotel in Ward 2 of Thakre received a ‘satisfactory’ rating and a green sticker (C) with one star.
Most of the inspected establishments—14 hotels and restaurants—were found to be in only ‘normal’ condition. The department awarded all establishments in this category yellow stickers (D).
Those receiving yellow stickers include Hotel New Namaste Nepal and Cold Store, Kantipur Hotel and Lodge, and New Pathibhara Hotel in Ward 1 of Thakre.
Likewise, Hotel Sayapatri in Ward 2 of Thakre, Diwasi Cold Store and Shree Annapurna Hotel in Ward 6, and Riya Hotel and New Supa Deurali Hotel in Ward 8 received yellow stickers for their normal ratings.
Several other hotels in Dhunibesi and Galchhi were also found to be in normal condition. These include Thakali Bhansa Ghar in Ward 6 of Dhunibesi; Highway Break Point Cold Store, Highway King Fast Food and Restaurant, and New Pandey Khaja Ghar and Lodge in Ward 1; and New Aandhi Khola Hotel in Dhunibesi.
Similarly, Juntara Restaurant and Lodge in Ward 6 of Galchhi received a yellow sticker after being rated normal, the department said.
Amid growing complaints that travellers are being overcharged and forced to consume unhygienic food at highway hotels, the department said the inspection and grading exercise would help maintain food safety and quality standards.
