Thamel, Durbarmarg open round the clock

 The key tourist sites in the Capital City, Thamel and Durbarmarg, would remain open 24 hours a day from yesterday (Baishakh 1).

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane marked the beginning of this operation this evening from a programme organized by Thamel Tourism Development Council and Durbarmarg Development Board.

On the occasion, Lamichhane said the places would remain open 24 hours to make the tourism activities there dynamic meant to support the country's economy. "There will be no compromise in the security situation of Thamel and Durbarmarg. The citizens too have equal responsibility to make these sites safe along with the police administration. We all should give continuity to this," according to the Home Minister.

Based on the directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu has created a code of conduct and is going to operate the two major thoroughfares of the federal capital round the clock starting today, which is also the first day of the year 2081 in the lunar calendar.

Saying that tourism and Thamel were synonymous, Home Minister Lamichhane said that public participation was needed to maintain vibrancy in Thamel and Durbarmarg.

Likewise, Chief Administrative Officer of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Pradip Pariyar said the opening of Thamel and Durbarmarg 24 hours is an attempt to give a positive message to the world and added that this decision would help support the country's economy.

Chairman of Thamel Tourism Development Council Bhabishwor Sharma expressed the view that opening these two major thoroughfares would help give an impetus to the tourism that was slow after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Likewise, Coordinator of Durbarmarg Development Board Sanjay Adhikari viewed that this campaign should be expanded in other cities of the country gradually.

Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Jitendra Basnet said that reliable security arrangements have been made to secure Thamel and Durbarmarg areas. Thamel and Durbarmarg areas have been prepared to conduct night business as a full-time business.

A 'Code of Conduct and Standards-2080' has been approved for full-time business operations in Thamel and Durbarmarg areas. City bus, taxis and ride sharing apps are being managed to address the problem of night-time transportation.