The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has clarified the recent removal of public benches along roadsides, parks, and river corridors intended for pedestrians.
According to the city, after former Mayor Balen Shah resigned, criticism arose on social media regarding the removal of benches in public spaces. KMC explained that the benches were temporarily removed for maintenance and better management. Suresh Rai, Chief of the Public Works Department, stated, “The benches have not been removed permanently. We are working to improve management by increasing the number of benches in high-traffic areas, standardizing them, and making them more user-friendly.”
The metropolitan city is preparing to repair and repaint old iron and wood-mixed benches placed along the Singhadurbar–Bhadra Kali road section and reinstall them at their original locations.
In Ashwin 2081 B.S., 140 benches were installed across public areas, including Bhadra Kali–Singhadurbar road, where 11 benches were placed, as well as in locations such as the Bagmati River corridor, Guhyeshwari, Koteshwor, and Kalmachhen.
In a second phase, KMC plans to install 49 new benches at key locations, including the Survey Department area, Three-Kune–Koteshwor, Ratna Park, Maiti Ghar–Babarmahal, and Kamal Pokhari, to enhance accessibility and comfort for pedestrians.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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