A new transport master plan has proposed car-free access for three major places in the Kathmandu Valley: Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and Patan Durbar Square. The wider package also includes 58 kilometers of dedicated cycle lanes across Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
In Kathmandu, the plan calls for a pedestrian-only zone inside the UNESCO-listed area at Basantapur Durbar Square. Barricades and road markings would define the boundary.
Thamel would face daytime vehicle restrictions from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The plan still leaves room for goods movement and deliveries.
For Patan Durbar Square, the proposal includes more walkable streets, selected one-way roads and motorcycle-only access on some routes. Lalitpur Metropolitan City would handle implementation there.
The estimated cost of the measures is more than Rs 150 million. The plan is part of a broader push to make Valley roads more orderly, sustainable and pedestrian-friendly.
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