Kathmandu, January 16

The core city areas of Kathmandu have been declared a ‘no-go zone’ for four-wheelers, except ambulances, hearse and other emergency and essential vehicles, with effect from today.

The decision to make the core city areas a ‘no-go zone’ for vehicles was taken jointly by Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Metropolitan Traffic Police Division in a bid to ease increasing traffic congestion and to create more space for shoppers and tourists to spend quality time in  historical areas.

DSP Mukunda Marasini at MPCD said no four-wheeler would be allowed to pass through Ason, Indrachowk and inner roads of their surrounding areas from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Similarly, such vehicles will not be permitted to enter Jyatha, Kamalakshi, Bhotahiti and Mahaboudhha leading to Ason.  “This effort will not only help regulate vehicular traffic, but also provide enough space for pedestrians,” he informed. The move is expected to make the temple complex free from traffic chaos and air pollution.

Meanwhile, the Bhedasingh-Bangemudha-Indrachowk road section has been declared one-way traffic round-the-clock. The authorities have displayed  ‘no-go’ and ‘one-way’ traffic sign for vehicles in different places of the restricted zone.

People visiting core city areas may park their vehicles in Khula Manch until further arrangements, according to MTPD. Special passes has been issued to persons whose houses are located within the area. Local clubs have also expressed solidarity with the initiative.

Earlier, Pashupatinath temple area and a section of Thamel were declared ‘no-go zones’ for vehicles.