Kathmandu, February 18, 2025
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has taken a significant step toward modernizing urban planning and development by initiating a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping project. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive inventory of roads, introduce scientific and original road names, and document infrastructure related to road networks in Nepal’s capital.
This ambitious project marks a pivotal moment for Kathmandu’s urban management. KMC spokesperson Navin Kumar Manandhar stated that the GIS-based mapping will lay the foundation for data-driven development plans. “We are leveraging technology to prepare detailed data that will guide the city’s overall development planning,” said Manandhar.
Comprehensive Road Inventory
The mapping project will result in an integrated road inventory that includes:
Scientific and unique names for roads and pathways.
Detailed data for waste management, traffic systems, and emergency services.
Unified plans to enhance collaboration between KMC and ward-level authorities.
Five GIS engineers and five senior surveyors are leading the effort, which builds upon previous mapping projects.
Revitalizing a 20-Year-Old Framework
Survey Officer Engineer Ashok Shrestha highlighted that the initiative updates the road mapping framework established in 2001. During that year, over 2,578 roads, pathways, and alleys were mapped and named, while 80,000 households were numbered based on the metric system.
“Since then, 2,040 roads have been digitally mapped using the geographic data and satellite imagery collected during the previous project,” Shrestha explained. To address gaps in data collection, the city plans to incorporate high-resolution drone images, especially for areas that could not be identified via satellite imagery.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Kathmandu has long struggled with the absence of integrated urban planning tools. The lack of GIS-based mapping has hindered access to reliable address systems, made ward and metropolitan planning disjointed, and left gaps in administrative boundaries. Consequently, accurate data on infrastructure and buildings remains unavailable.
This newly launched program is expected to address these systemic challenges, providing the necessary foundation for effective urban management. “We are confident that this initiative will reduce the gaps in planning and create a reliable system for integrating data across departments,” said Shrestha.
A Leap Toward Smart City Solutions
KMC’s GIS-based mapping program signals a forward-looking approach to urban planning. By updating decades-old data, utilizing modern technologies like drone imagery, and focusing on scientific naming and planning, Kathmandu is setting the stage for smarter, more sustainable city management.
This initiative not only underscores KMC’s commitment to modernization but also paves the way for improved governance, efficient infrastructure planning, and better quality of life for residents. Ecosphere News will continue to monitor and report on this transformative project.
