Lalitpur, 22 November 2025
Lalitpur Metropolitan City is set to begin a trial implementation of vehicle-free zones in and around Patan Durbar Square as part of its initiative “पाटन पाइलै पाइलामा” (Patan Step by Step) under the City Pride Project. The program, supported by Nepal Cycle Society and various community organisations, will officially commence on 29 November 2025 (13 Mangsir 2082), aiming to create a cleaner, safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment within the historic core of the city. The event will feature open streets, community activities, art and cultural programs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, encouraging residents to reconnect with public spaces beyond vehicular use.
According to Lalitpur Metropolitan City Office, the initiative intends to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and promote non-motorised mobility such as cycling and walking. The city emphasised that heritage zones like Patan Durbar Square accommodate heavy foot traffic yet continue to face congestion due to rising vehicle movement. The upcoming vehicle-free days seek to transform these areas into spaces that prioritise people, culture and community interactions rather than traffic flow.
Ahead of the full restriction zones, the city has announced a preliminary phase introducing one-way and limited access rules for vehicles. Starting from 8 Mangsir 2082, four-wheelers will be restricted from Ikhalakhu Chowk to Mahapal between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. In Tinchhu Galli, two-wheelers will be permitted to exit through the Haugall-Ikhalakhu route, while four-wheelers will be prohibited entirely. These mobility changes are designed to gradually familiarise residents and commuters with altered movement patterns before full closures take effect.
Beginning 13 Mangsir 2082, the city will enforce complete vehicle-free zones in selected heritage pathways, including Momdugalli, Gaurishankar Temple Patko to Wolkhu Ganesh Temple, Bhimsensthan to Swotha Narayan Temple and Swotha Chowk to Kwalkhu Chowk. These areas will remain closed to vehicles on 13, 17 and 20 Mangsir from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and again on 24 and 27 Mangsir from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. A second phase will follow in Poush, expanding restrictions to Tinchhu Galli and the stretch between Mangalbazar Chowk and Chakrabahil Chowk. These closures will take place on 5, 9 and 12 Poush from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and on 16 and 19 Poush from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Throughout the trial, essential emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire services, will retain uninterrupted access to all restricted areas.
The campaign is being organised by Lalitpur Metropolitan City Office in coordination with Ward 16 and Ward 12, with support from Nepal Cycle Society. Partner organisations include Baakhan Nyane Waa, Let’s Play, Urban Sketchers, Kalashala and Rotaract Club of Patan Durbar Square. Galli Maps will serve as the navigation partner, while local communities and women’s groups from the respective wards are directly involved in coordination and implementation.
Organisers have also released detailed digital maps outlining restricted zones, one-way traffic systems and alternative parking spaces, which are available online for public reference. The city hopes that this initiative will set a precedent for long-term policies promoting sustainable urban mobility within heritage zones, potentially leading to the permanent pedestrianisation of select streets if the trial proves successful.
As Lalitpur enters this experimental phase, stakeholders believe the effort represents not just a traffic intervention but a cultural reclaiming of public space. The program aspires to encourage residents to experience Patan’s historic core through movement on foot, collective participation and environmental consciousness-one car-free day at a time.
