KATHMANDU: After 11 hours of intense negotiations, the government of Nepal and the “No Cable Car Group” have reached a six-point agreement regarding the controversial Pathibhara cable car project. The deal, finalized on February 4, 2025, resulted in the lifting of the transportation strike that had been crippling several districts of eastern Nepal since January 28.

The negotiation team, led by Prem Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the protesters’ coordination committee, headed by Amar Tumyahang, signed the agreement after 7 hours of talks on Monday and 11 hours of discussions on Tuesday. Here is the key points of the agreement include:

1. Suspension of Construction: The government has agreed to temporarily halt the construction of the upper station of the Pathibhara cable car, with detailed discussions scheduled for February 9 to address further concerns.
2. Medical Treatment: The government has committed to providing free and effective medical treatment for protesters who sustained injuries during the protests.
3. Investigation into January 26 Incident: A probe will be conducted into the January 26 clash, with legal action to be taken against those found responsible.
4. Unconditional Release of Protesters: The government has agreed to the unconditional release of all arrested protesters.
5. End of Indefinite Transportation Strike: In response to the agreement, the Mukkumlung Conservation Group has decided to lift the indefinite transportation strike, which had severely impacted movement across the region.
6. Future Discussions: Both sides have agreed to further discussions on February 9 regarding ongoing disputes over the Pathibhara cable car project.