KATHMANDU, April 9: The Asan area in Kathmandu will be declared vehicle-free every Saturday starting from April 18, with plans to organize social, cultural, and commercial activities in the historic market zone.
The decision was made during a meeting of stakeholders chaired by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol. The program was initially scheduled to begin on Chaitra 28 but has now been postponed to April 18.
“Asan is a place associated with everything from birth to death, and from gold to salt,” Dangol said, emphasizing its religious, social, and cultural significance. She urged local authorities, stakeholders, and residents to work together to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
According to Dangol, the program will prioritize convenience and safety for both residents and visitors.
Asan: An ancient trading hub of Kathmandu (with photos)
Ward Chair Yogesh Kumar Khadgi expressed confidence that the initiative would help preserve the originality of Asan Bazaar while also contributing to air pollution control and improving the urban environment.
Under the “Vehicle-Free Asan” program, vehicles will be prohibited every Saturday in the area from Kamalaksi Chowk to Asan, Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and Mahabouddha to Asan in Ward No. 27 of the metropolitan city. Alternative routes will be arranged for vehicles passing through the area.
The metropolitan city plans to develop the area as a heritage route to promote traditional and local businesses while organizing cultural and social activities.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan Police personnel has been assigned responsibility for managing the “Vehicle-Free Asan” program.
