Kathmandu Valley metro rail plan moves ahead with DPR preparation

Kathmandu — The Department of Railways has started the process to prepare a Detailed Project Report for a proposed 27.5-kilometre rail-based public transport system inside Kathmandu Valley.

According to reports, the department has invited Expressions of Interest from international consulting firms for the study. The proposed project will examine a circular route covering major urban areas including Narayan Gopal Chowk, Chabahil, Koteshwor, Satdobato, Ratnapark and back to Narayan Gopal Chowk.

The study will help decide what type of system is most suitable for Kathmandu Valley, including rail, metro rail or monorail. It will also look at technical, financial, environmental and operational issues before the project can move toward implementation.

The government has allocated more than Rs 323 million for the multi-year DPR and feasibility study process. The selected consultant is expected to complete the study within 18 months.

The proposed rail-based transport system is being seen as a possible long-term solution to Kathmandu Valley’s growing traffic congestion and public transport problems. However, the project is currently only in the study and DPR preparation stage. Construction has not started yet, and the final project model, cost, timeline and implementation plan will be decided only after the detailed study is completed.