Kathmandu, July 16
Starting from Shrawan 1 (mid-July), Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm, extending its previous visiting hours. The tower, which currently operates from 10 am to 4 pm and remains closed on public holidays, will now be open even during public holidays, according to Urban Development Ministry spokesperson Narayan Mainali.
“Dharahara will now operate in two shifts. It will be open to the public every day, including public holidays,” said Mainali.
Previously, Dharahara remained closed on public holidays, with Wednesdays as the weekly day off instead of Saturday.
The iconic tower, rebuilt after its destruction in the 2015 earthquake, was partially opened for trial on Asoj 3 last year and officially opened to the public on Mangsir 9 with an entry fee. Since its paid reopening, 2,37,065 visitors have climbed the tower, generating Rs 43.39 million in revenue, according to the Central Project Implementation Unit (Buildings and Housing) under the Ministry of Urban Development.
The tower is currently operated under the Special Structure Operation and Management Development Committee formed as per the 2081 BS directive.
Damak’s business complex to open
A newly constructed business complex in Damak, Jhapa will also open to the public starting mid July. The 100-meter-tall structure includes an 18-floor building made of concrete up to 72 meters, with a 28-meter metal tower. The Urban Development Ministry said the complex will initially open on a trial basis from 10 am to 5 pm. This new structure is taller than Dharahara.
Ministry to go paperless from July 17
The Ministry of Urban Development will implement the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS) from July 17to transition to completely paperless operations.
Secretary Gopal Sigdel stated that while the system has been partially in use, it will be fully enforced from July 17. “From now on, inter-ministry correspondence and file transfers between departments will be entirely digital,” said Sigdel.
Crackdown on unauthorised vehicle use; stricter attendance policy
The ministry has recalled all government vehicles being used without authorisation. Vehicles will now only be allocated to those who meet the official eligibility criteria set by the Government of Nepal.
This move follows complaints that ineligible individuals were using official vehicles while eligible personnel were left without transportation. Vehicles taken by secretaries and high-ranking officials during transfers have also been reclaimed as per the directive of Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh.
Additionally, the ministry will enforce stricter electronic attendance regulations from July 17. Despite an existing system, many employees were reportedly skipping digital check-ins. The ministry plans to end such practices through tighter monitoring.
Major projects to be monitored directly by the Ministry
From July 17, the Ministry of Urban Development will directly monitor key national infrastructure projects under its jurisdiction.
DPM Singh has already been overseeing the progress of the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur from his office. Moving forward, such oversight will be extended to other projects as well, with regular updates being collected through a centralised monitoring system.
